Take To This Spring Festival At Takayama In Japan

Takayama, about five hours from Tokyo, will celebrate its annual Spring Festival on April 14th and 15th. The Sanno Matsuri, also known as the Takayama Spring Festival, stands as one of Japan's most renowned celebrations. Hosted by the Shinto shrine, Hie Jinja, located on Shiroyama hill, a procession of colourful floats is the main attraction.

Hosted at Takayama, a historic mountain town in Gifu Prefecture, this festival, held in April, marks a vibrant springtime spectacle. The three main attractions are - the exhibition of ornate floats known as yatai, a procession featuring mikoshi (shoulder-borne portable shrines), and a captivating marionette performance.

There are 12 special floats, some a few centuries old.

The floats are decorated with carvings, lacquer-ware, bamboo blinds, etc. Some floats have marionettes operated by master puppeteers. Many rituals and ceremonial events are held over the two days. Besides the procession of floats, other events include a procession of local people in traditional attire, the main deity of the shrine visiting local homes, etc. The festival is also an opportunity for the town's people to display their skills in performing arts, most of the repertoire and skills being passed on through generations.

How It Is Celebrated

During the festival day, the yatai floats are showcased from morning until late afternoon. In case of suboptimal weather conditions, the floats are housed in open-door storehouses, allowing visitors to explore them. A number of these floats feature karakuri, mechanical puppets capable of intricate dances and surprising movements. Operated from within the yatai using strings and push rods, these wooden puppets are adorned in silk and embroidered cloth. Recognised as a cultural asset, the performances by these mechanical puppets add to the festival's cultural significance.

In the afternoon, a procession featuring mikoshi (portable shrines) takes place, winding through the town. These shrines carry the Shinto deity (kami) from their respective shrines, marking the beginning and end of the Takayama Spring Festival at Hie Shrine. The craftsmanship displayed on these floats is remarkable, often likened to the Yomeimon Gate of the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. On the evening of April 14th, the yatai floats traverse the streets of Old Town, creating a captivating night festival (yomatsuri) regarded as one of the highlights. Illuminated by paper lanterns adorning the structures, the floats add a magical ambiance to the festivities.

More details of the festival here

Where To Stay

Accommodations fill up quickly in anticipation of the two annual festivals, but the city provides a diverse range of options. Noteworthy hostel choices encompass Relax Hostel, situated near Takayama Station, offering capsule-style dorm rooms, and K’s House, which provides private rooms and dorms, including double beds. For those seeking a hotel experience, Temple Hotel Zenko-ji stands out with its elegant tatami rooms and garden views. Combining traditional and Western styles, Takayama Ouan Hotel offers the best of both worlds and is conveniently located near the station.