1. Kyoto: Gozan Okuribi (sending fire to five mountains)
Held annually on the evening of August, this festival is a highlight of summer in Kyoto. After sunset, they set fire to five mountains one by one, depicting five kanjis (Chinese characters) and a motif of a boat which gloom on a slope of the mountains at night. This event has a religious meaning. At the time of the event which corresponds to the end of Obon period, when sprits of deceased family members come to our world, setting fire in this festival is believed to send them back to their world. The moment when fire is set on a mountain and characters start to gloom is breathtaking. If you have a chance to visit Kyoto at this time of year, this festival is a must.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sparklig/4897616114/
2. Osaka: Tenjin Festival (Tenjin Matsuri)
Ranked as one of top three festivals in Japan, Tenjin Festival or Tenjin Matsuri makes people come together in Osaka. This huge event is held annually on July 25th and 26th around the site of Osaka Temmangu Shrine, the host of the event. The reason why this festival is recommended is the fantastic procession both on land and a river as well as Japanese traditional performing arts.
Over 3000 people dressed in a colorful costume parade on a street, carrying a mikoshi (a portable shrine) in which gods are said to be riding. They are accompanied by traditional arts performers such as drummers and flutists playing kagura music, which is an homage to the gods. The highlight of the festival is the moment when the procession goes onto a river. Some 100 boats with the 3000 people on board sail upstream, praying for safety of water transportation. Finally the procession reaches its climax with fireworks set off to the night sky. You will be without a doubt amazed by its magnificence.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/elmimmo/2731212701/in/photostream/
3. Kyoto: Jidai Matsuri (Jidai Festival)
Learning history through books can be sometimes boring. And yet Japanese history is interesting enough to delve into, but it is more interesting if we can do so just by watching a parade. On every October 22nd, the date when the capital of Japan was changed to Heian-kyo in Kyoto in 794, Jidai Matsuri is held to commemorate the day and remember that Kyoto was the heart of Japan for a long time. A two kilometer-long parade starts from the Imperial Palace to Heian-Jingu. The procession features different Japanese eras by showing their characters in reverse chronological order. Dressed in a costume and wearing makeup characteristic of each era, people march along the street with again some characteristic items which may include an umbrella, flags, even a horse. Taking this opportunity, you will have a rough idea of what old Japan and old people were like.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/41265963/2109730871/
There are the three festivals to see and enjoy in Kansai region. Some are related to religious rituals. But I think that all of them are fun to see regardless of religious matters because of the energy they are unable to conceal. It would be a good idea to plan your trip according to the festival you are interested in.
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