Takayama Festival – One of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Festivals - Japan Travel Sights

The Takayama Festival is a historic festival held twice a year in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Festivals, it attracts visitors from all over the world with its ornate festival floats, traditional performances, and illuminated night parades.

In 2016, Takayama Festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, further solidifying its reputation as a must-see event in Japan.

The festival consists of two major events:
🎎 Spring Festival (Sanno Festival) – Held in April at Hie Shrine.
🍁 Autumn Festival (Hachiman Festival) – Held in October at Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine.

Each festival has unique traditions, float displays, and cultural performances. Let’s explore the highlights and best ways to enjoy Takayama Festival!

History of Takayama Festival

Takayama Festival dates back to the late 16th or early 17th century, when it was established as a grand shrine festival to pray for prosperity and a good harvest.

The town of Takayama was once a prosperous merchant town, and local artisans created the magnificent festival floats that remain the highlight of the festival today.

The festival is divided into two parts:

• Spring Festival (Sanno Festival) – Celebrated in southern Takayama, organized by the towns around Hie Shrine.
• Autumn Festival (Hachiman Festival) – Held in northern Takayama, hosted by the districts around Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine.

Each district carefully maintains its festival floats (yatai), passing down craftsmanship and traditions through generations.

Spring Festival (Sanno Festival) – April 14 & 15

The Spring Takayama Festival, also known as Sanno Matsuri, takes place at Hie Shrine. It welcomes spring and prays for a good harvest.

🌸 Why visit the Spring Festival?

• Cherry blossoms in full bloom make the festival even more picturesque.
• Features 12 beautifully decorated festival floats.
• Night festival with illuminated floats creates a magical atmosphere.

Spring Festival Highlights

1. Festival Float Procession (Yatai Hikisoroe)

The most iconic part of Takayama Festival is the yatai (festival floats). These elaborate wooden structures are adorned with:

• Intricate carvings by Hida’s master craftsmen.
• Gold-leaf decorations and rich textiles.
• Karako (traditional dolls) and mechanical puppets.

Each float is a moving piece of art, earning the nickname “Moving Yomeimon” (referring to the famous gate at Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine).

📍 Best Spot: Near Hie Shrine, where all 12 floats line up for public viewing.

2. Night Festival (Yomatsuri)

When night falls, hundreds of lanterns are lit on the floats, creating a breathtaking illuminated parade.

🔥 Why you shouldn’t miss it:

• The soft glow of lanterns against the backdrop of Takayama’s historic streets is unforgettable.
• The festival floats move gracefully through the town, accompanied by traditional festival music and drum performances.
• The reflection of lanterns in the Miyagawa River makes for an amazing photo opportunity.

📍 Best Spot: Naka Bridge (Nakabashi) – A red lacquer bridge where the lantern-lit floats and cherry blossoms create a dreamlike scene.

3. Karakuri Puppet Performances

Karakuri puppets (からくり人形) are mechanically controlled dolls that perform acrobatic tricks and traditional dances on top of the festival floats.

🤹 How do they work?

• Controlled by skilled puppeteers, using multiple strings and levers.
• Puppets move, dance, and even flip in the air.

📍 Best Spot: Hie Shrine area.

Autumn Festival (Hachiman Festival) – October 9 & 10

The Autumn Takayama Festival is held at Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and celebrates a bountiful harvest.

🍁 Why visit the Autumn Festival?

• The autumn foliage adds a unique seasonal charm.
• Features 11 festival floats, similar in grandeur to the spring festival.
• More relaxed atmosphere compared to the spring festival.

Autumn Festival Highlights

1. Festival Float Display (Yatai Hikisoroe)

Similar to the Spring Festival, the Autumn Festival features 11 elaborately decorated floats.

Each float has a unique design, and some are decorated with:

• Phoenix and dragon carvings.
• Traditional Japanese motifs like cranes and peonies.
• Gold-embroidered curtains.

📍 Best Spot: Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, where all 11 floats are displayed.

2. Float Procession (Yatai Hikimawashi)

On the first day, four of the festival floats are paraded through the streets, showcasing:

• Movable festival floats, pulled by teams of men dressed in traditional festival attire.
• Rhythmic festival music, with flutes and drums filling the air.

📍 Best Spot: The streets near Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine.

3. Evening Procession (Yoimatsuri)

Just like the Spring Festival, the Autumn Festival features a mesmerizing night parade with:

• Lantern-lit festival floats moving through the town.
• The soft glow of hundreds of paper lanterns reflecting off the streets.

📍 Best Spot: Along Miyagawa River, where the lights create a magical reflection on the water.

Tips for Enjoying Takayama Festival

✅ Arrive Early: The festival gets crowded, so come at least an hour early for the best viewing spots.
✅ Book Accommodation in Advance: Hotels in Takayama fill up months in advance, so reserve early!
✅ Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially during the night festival.
✅ Check the Weather: The festival is held rain or shine, but it’s best to bring an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain.
✅ Try Local Food: Enjoy Hida Beef skewers, Mitarashi Dango, and Takayama Ramen while exploring the festival.

Experience the Magic of Takayama Festival

The Takayama Festival is a spectacular celebration of history, craftsmanship, and tradition.

🌸 Spring Festival (April 14–15): Enjoy the festival with cherry blossoms and pleasant weather.
🍁 Autumn Festival (October 9–10): Experience the festival against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage.

📍 Plan your trip and witness one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals firsthand!