Nature’s beauty and lavish allowances are sometimes beyond explanation. While some of the best places are not your home, certain places strongly focus on the endless beauty. Due to this, you sometimes may be unwilling to get out of the hold. Takayama is one of them that holds your senses so tight with its breathtaking attractions and unparalleled activities. The Takayama festival is the third largest, held twice yearly in spring and autumn. The festival aims to thank the farmers for successfully harvesting their crops. The tall and heavily decorated floats are stored in the appropriate stores scattered around the old town. Get a chance to experience the “truly heavenly” and find the best winter trip with your loved ones.
About Takayama Festival
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The Takayama festival started in the 16- 17th century in Takayama, japan. Kanamori rules during that time to start the festival dates 1692. From now on, this festival happens every year between the 14th to 15th of April and the 9th to 10th of October. In the spring, the centre of the Hie Shrine is known as the Sanno Shrine Festival, and in autumn is known as the Hachiman Festival. Roman goes into the city at night and blends into the Thanksgiving festival with Japan. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in the old town of Takayama, which attracts many tourists worldwide. The colourful and stunning decorations, along with handmade embody skills, is the reason for becoming the third finest festival in Japan. So, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Takayama festival and read to learn more about the culture and other attractions. Undoubtedly, the Takayama festival is ranked as the third-largest festival in the country.
Spring festival: The Takayama festival was first held in the spring season between April 14 and 15. The “hie shrine” festival is held in the old town’s southern half. The shrine is named Sanno Sama and is also called the Sanno Festival.
Autumn Festival: This annual Japanese festival, the Hachiman Festival, is held between October 9 and 10.
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Main Activities Of Takayama Festival In 2024
Throughout the year, the tall and decorated floats are stored in the storehouse and scattered around the old town. A set of replicas is also exhibited around the Matsuri no Mori Festival Museum. The following is the list of Takayama festival activities brought down in this festival.
1. Display Of Festival Floats
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On both days, the festival floats (yatai) will float in the streets of Takayama. If the weather is bad, the floats will remain in the storehouses. However, the storehouses’ gates will remain open for all visitors to see them.
Date: 9th and 10th October
Timings: 9:00 am onwards
Location: Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, Sakurayama Hachiman-gu Shrine grounds
2. Karakuri Performance
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Several festival floats are decorated with the Karakuri Ningyo and sophisticated mechanical dolls that can quickly move and dance. This type of performance is held on both days during the dedicated period and lasts about 50 minutes. During bad weather, the performances take place only in the storehouse.
Date: 9th and 10 October
Timings: 12:00 pm onwards on 9th October and 11:00 pm onwards on 10th October
Location: Hida Takayama Karakuri Museum
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3. Mikoshi Procession
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During these two days, a portable shrine named Mikoshi is carried out in the town like a parade. This will happen at the start and end of the festival’s shrine. The mikoshi contains the Shinto deity; this is the only time the dirt leaves the shrine to come out around the town.
Date: 9th and 10 October
Timings: departs at 1:00 pm on 9th October and returns at 4:00 pm on 10th October
Location: streets of Takayama, Japan
4. Evening Festival
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On the first day of the event, in the evening, the floats are brought to the streets of Takayama Old Town for 2-3 hours. The evening festival, also known as the “Yomatsuri,” is the event’s main highlight, as many visitors consider. Sometimes, the Yomatsuri might get cancelled due to bad weather. This evening festival is trendy, and thousands of people across Japan visit it. It also gets too crowded if the date falls on the weekend or a national holiday.
Date: 9th October
Timings: 6:00 pm onwards
Location: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama, Gifu
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Key Attraction Of Takayama Festival
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Now, the autumn festival is not just in the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine but also in the streets of Takayama. The four-wheeled Yatai happens only during the autumn festival from the afternoon of October 9 onwards. Many tourists ask about what Takayama is famous for. The beauty of traditional tonal customs and Yatai at night is one of the key attractions of the Takayama festival. The beauty of yatai is a backdrop and sets an example for the Takayama, an enchanting spectacle.
This is another festival where gods are usually worshipped at the permanent shrines in the streets through the portable shrines in a parade followed by thousands of devotees. One of the key attractions is the custom worn by the participants. The Tokeiraku perform wear flat straw hats and dance on the sound bells and drums that are accompanied by the ancient gagaku music. The parade marshalls, with their broad shoulder kamishimo over-garments, are one of the finest in the festival.
Location Of Takayama Festival
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The Takayama festival is held on the south side of Yasugawa Street in Gifu Prefecture, which borders the Takayama Old Town district. Twelve data are in the area and paraded throughout the day. Takayama is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, charming streets, and period architecture. The main festivities will occur in the Sanmachi Suji district, known for its wooden houses and the Takayama Jinya. As discussed, the festival will happen this year on the 9th and 10th of October. This festival is celebrated as the autumn harvest season for the citizens of Japan.
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Tourist Attractions In Takayama
Many cultural programs have been developed aimed at foreign visitors. One of the most popular is walking through the streets of Takayama dressed in a kimono. You can also try your hand at making sarubobo dolls, which are a popular local souvenir. Don’t forget to explore the top tourist attractions in the Takayama festival in Japan, as given below.
1. Kami-Sannomachi
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Outside the Takayama festival, several Yatai are on display around the town. It is situated on the grounds of the Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. If your schedule allows you to stroll around, you can experience the beautiful work of decorations that are put together for the Yatai. This will surely enhance the enjoyment of the festival itself. Takayama’s historic district serves as a backdrop for the yatai procession and Yoimatsuri during this autumn festival.
Location: 20 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Japan
Timings: Open 24 hours
How to get there: 1-minute walk from Sanmachi Dori
2. Takayama Jinya
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The history is particularly evident and worth the visit. The Takayama Jinja have served as government offices since the 17th century. This is the only government historical building and structure that has remained unchanged since its days.
Location: 1 Chome-5 Hachiken Machi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0012, Japan
Timings: 8:45 am to 5:00 pm
How to get there: 10-minute walk from Takayama station.
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3. Jinyamae Asaichi
Jinyamae Daichi is the morning market held every morning close to Takayama Jinya. Tourists can talk to the local farmers while enjoying the delights of locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, and the changing seasons. This is one of the great opportunities to meet local people, together with Miyagawa Asaichi, which is held along the banks.
Location: 1 Chome-5 Hachikenmachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0012, Japan
Timings: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
How to get there: 8 minutes walk from JR Takayama Station on the JR Takayama Main Line.
How To Reach Takayama?
There are various ways to get to the Takayama Festival, as mentioned below.
By train:
To reach the festival, the nearest station is the JR Takayama station. You can take the train from various parts of Japan and other cities. Once you get the station, take a 10-minute walk through the old town, which is the best attraction in the city.
By road:
The Takayama Hide bus centre is the nearest bus stand to the Takayama festival. Take the bus from Tokyo, which takes almost two hours to reach. The bus station is connected to various parts of Japan and the airport. Takayama is connected to Toyama by highway buses and from Matsumoto by highway buses.
By air:
To reach the festival by air, land at the Tayama (TOY) airport in the morning, which is nearer to the festival. After that, take the bus from Gifu or hire a personal taxi. The airport is connected to various parts of the world.
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Tips To Follow In Takayama Festival
- Yatai floats are invaluable assets, so be careful while around them.
- When yatai floats are displayed, don’t touch them; come close to them.
- Do Not obstruct the parade while clicking the photographs.
- Heavy crowds are expected, so try to give a proper way to others also.
- There will be no garbage containers for festival visitors, so take your garbage. It is a beautiful sight, with a portable shrine carried throughout the streets. This is one of the important Takayama facts to know throughout the event.
- Smoking is also prohibited, so use the designated area for smoking.
- Due to bad weather, the festival event schedule might change.
- Watch your step during the yomatsuri.
- Book your appropriate stay in advance to avoid high pricing.
- See the Goshinko procession which is a beautiful sight with a portable shrine that is carried throughout the streets. This is one of the important Takayama facts to know about.
- You can rent the English audio guides to learn about the festival and floats.
- Try the famous traditional crafts at Hida Takayama Town.
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Every traveller wants to enjoy the autumn season as the vacation is here. So why not start by visiting the Takayama festival and have a blast? The festival is famous for its large ornate floats that roam around the city. The floats in the Yatai keep changing yearly to attract large numbers of tourists worldwide. Devolve into this place’s rich history and participate in the festival’s multiple activities to enjoy the breathtaking architecture and historic culture. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and plan a trip to Japan with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Takayama Festival
What does the Takayama Festival celebrate?
The spring Takayama festival, or Sanno Matsuri, is the famous annual festival of the Hie shrine, celebrated yearly in autumn. There are 12 yatai that float in the old town of Takayama and on the south side of Yasugawa. The floats are paraded all around the city once.
Why is Takayama famous?
Takayama and its surroundings boast Extravagant festivals, traditional architecture, the best mountains, and Onsen in Japan. This is a fantastic destination surrounded by the alpine countryside of the Japanese Alps.
What are some interesting facts about Takayama?
The main sites of Takayama gathered in the old town, Sanmachi Suji. Kanamori Nagachika was established as a feudal merchant town in the late 1500s.
How old are the Takayama floats?
The floats date back to the 17th century and are decorated with complex gilded wood carvings and detailed metal work. This style is similar to that of Kyoto during the Momoyama period, which blended elements from the early Edo period.
Is two days enough in Takayama?
One full day is enough to enjoy the most essential sights of Takayama, but two days allow you to explore the whole city. Also, you can take more days to explore the nearby areas.
How is the Takayama festival celebrated?
The parade in this festival is held on the south side of Yasukawa St, which borders the old town of Takayama. The floats are paraded all around the day, showcasing the marionette show. This year, the matsuri (night festival) and festival procession will be held.
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