By Tanishk Juneja
-Tanishk Juneja
The Takayama Festival originated in the 16th century as a celebration of the Hie Shrine's deity and has since evolved into a spectacular event honouring the city's cultural and spiritual roots.
Both festivals share similar events, but the Spring Festival focuses on the arrival of spring, while the Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest season.
Timings - October 9 (Departs the shrine at 1:20 p.m. and returns on October 10th at 4:00 p.m)
Timings - October 9th from around 6:15 p.m. to around 8:30 p.m Conde Nast Traveler
Mikoshi Procession is when a portable shrine is carried around the town in a parade during the two days of the festival
Evening Festival features evening floats being pulled through the streets of Takayama's old town for 2-3 hours.
Timings - October 9th and 10th, timings 9:00 to 16:00
Timings - October 9th (12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.), October 10 (11:00 am and 1:00 p.m.)
The display of festival floats is an ornate, intricately carved floats parade through the streets.
Karakuri Performance is an intricate puppet show.
Make sure to participate in local Japanese performances showcasing traditional arts, savour Takayama ramen, and experience live entertainment such as acrobats, jugglers and more
JR Takayama Station and the adjacent Takayama Hida Bus Center are about ten minutes from Takayama's old town, which is opposite the Miyagawa River.