Looking for a fun way to experience Japan’s culture? The Takayama Spring Festival has beautiful floats, exciting performances, and tasty food. If you’re after a festival that shows Japan’s history and traditions, this is the one! You’re not alone in wanting to discover it.
I’ll show you everything you need to know about the festival. In this article, you’ll learn about:
- The history of the festival
- The main attractions, like the floats and puppets
- Traditional costumes and food to try
By the end, you’ll see why the Takayama Festival is a must-see event. Keep reading to find out more!
1. History of Takayama Spring Festival
The Takayama Spring Festival (高山祭, Takayama Matsuri) began in the 16th or 17th century during the rule of the Kanamori family. A letter from 1692 says that the festival had already been celebrated for at least 40 years before that time. At first, it was a small religious event.
Over time, it grew into a grand celebration that shows Takayama’s culture and history.
2. Date and Place of the Takayama Spring Festival
The Takayama Festival (高山祭, Takayama Matsuri) is one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals. It is as famous as Kyoto’s Gion Festival and the Chichibu Night Festival. The festival happens twice a year, in spring and autumn, in the old town of Takayama. Many visitors come to see the colorful floats, performances, and traditions.
The Takayama Spring Festival is held on April 14-15. It is the annual festival of Hie Shrine, also called Sanno Shrine. That’s why it is sometimes called the Sanno Festival. This festival is for praying for a good harvest. It also celebrates spring, new life, and good fortune.
The Takayama Autumn Festival is held on October 9-10. It belongs to the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine in the northern part of Takayama. It is also called the Hachiman Festival. People hold this festival to thank the gods for a good harvest. It is one of Japan’s three biggest festivals.
See Also Takayama Festival in Pop Culture
3. Highlights of the Takayama Spring Festival
The Majestic Yatai (Festival Floats) Parade
The Takayama Spring Festival is known for its beautiful Yatai (festival floats). These floats have been part of the festival since the 17th century. They are decorated with detailed carvings, lacquer, and metalwork, inspired by Kyoto’s Momoyama period and the early Edo period.
The floats are not only beautiful on the outside, but also have fine details inside, under the roofs and behind the panels.
At night, the Yatai are lined up, and about 100 lanterns light up each float. The floats are then moved through the streets, creating a magical scene. People dressed in kimono or hakama walk with the floats as they move through the town.
One special float, the Hotei-tai, has marionettes that perform. These detailed puppets are put on a show, and the performance is considered a cultural treasure. The floats are shown for two days during the festival. If the weather is bad, they are stored in special warehouses.
Some of the floats are kept in the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan Museum. The museum is open year-round, and the entrance fee is 840 yen. It is about a 15–20 minute walk from Takayama Station.
Karakuri Marionettes: Mechanical Marvels in Motion
The Karakuri marionettes are a highlight of the Takayama Spring Festival. These wooden puppets are made from wood, silk, and embroidered cloth. They are controlled by strings and push rods inside the Yatai (festival floats). The puppets show the skill of local craftsmen.
One of the most impressive puppets is the Hotei Tai float. It has three marionettes of the god of fortune. To move these puppets, 9 puppet masters use 36 strings. They make the puppets move in lifelike ways, like turning and making gestures.
There’s a special issue with the puppets. The springs inside them are made from Right whale baleen. This material can’t be replaced with other types of springs. If it is replaced, the puppets won’t move the same way.
Some of the festival floats have karakuri ningyo—dolls that can move and dance. The puppet shows are held at certain times during the festival and last about 50 minutes. If the weather is bad, the shows are moved to inside storage buildings.
The Nighttime Illuminations (Yomatsuri)
The night before the main event, the Yomatsuri (night festival) adds a magical touch to the celebration. Held on April 14, it transforms Takayama into a beautiful sight.
Around 100 lanterns light up each float as they slowly move through the city, giving a different experience from the daytime events. The night festival starts at 6 p.m., with the procession beginning near Nahabashi Bridge and leading into the official festival parade the next day.
Mikoshi Procession
On April 14, the mikoshi (portable shrine) leaves the shrine at 1:00 p.m., and on April 15, it returns at 4:00 p.m.
During the two days of the festival, the mikoshi is carried through the town in a parade. It begins and ends at the shrine for the festival. The mikoshi holds the kami (Shinto deity) of the shrine. This is the only time of the year when the deity leaves the shrine to be carried around the town.
4. Traditional Costumes at the Takayama Spring Festival
During the festival procession, several hundred volunteers wear traditional Japanese clothing like Kamishimo (formal Edo-period samurai attire) to guide the portable shrine carrying Sannou-sama, the patron deity of Hie Shrine.
Along with the procession, there are shishimai (lion dance) performers and Tokeiraku performers. The Tokeiraku performers wear robes decorated with colorful images of fighting roosters, and their gongs create a lively, echoing sound.
5. Food & Treats at the Takayama Spring Festival
Takayama Spring Festival is known for its delicious food, especially Hida Gyu (Wagyu beef). Hida beef is famous for its tenderness and rich flavor. You can try it in many dishes like Hida Beef Sushi, Takayama Ramen, or grilled as Yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ). Each bite is full of flavor and sure to leave you wanting more!
In addition to the beef, you should try Sansai, or mountain vegetables, which grow in the local hills. These fresh greens add a crunchy texture and natural flavor to your meals. Be sure to also enjoy the local sake, which is smooth and aromatic, and made by skilled brewers over many generations.
For a true taste of Takayama, visit the morning market along the Miyagawa River. There, you can find food stalls offering grilled fish, pickled vegetables, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and Kakigori (shaved ice), especially refreshing on warm days.
Takayama Spring Festival: A Recap
The Takayama Spring Festival is a fun way to enjoy traditions and culture. You can see beautiful floats, watch exciting puppet shows, and try delicious local food. Whether you’re amazed by the detailed floats or enjoying the lively atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
The festival brings people together, making it a great time to spend with friends and family. You can create memories while walking through the streets lit up with lanterns or watching the marionettes. The Takayama Spring Festival is a great way to celebrate spring and experience the unique culture of Takayama.