The Takayama Autumn Festival is annually
held
on October 9th and 10th. It is considered one of the
three
most beautiful festivals in Japan.
Takayama Autumn Festival is also
known as
Takayama
Hachiman Festival because it hosted by the
Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine. The main event of the
festival is the parade with eleven yatai (floats), which
are designated as Significant Intangible Folk Cultural
Assets in Japan. These floats are decorated with
detailed carvings, tapestries, and karakuri dolls
(marionettes). For the Takayama Autumn Festival
master artisans called Hida no Takumi crafted these
floats that date back to the 17th and 18th century.
The
craftsmanship on the yatai rivals the work done on
the
Yomeimon Gate in Nikko.
Some of the floats have karakuri (mechanical
puppets)
that can dance and move in surprising ways. They
are
controlled from within the yatai using strings and push
rods. These mechanical puppets are made out of
wood,
which are then dressed in silk and embroidered cloth.
These performances can be seen at the Sakurayama
Hachiman Shrine where many people gather to see
the
show. Be prepared to sit on the ground depending on
your location. Traditional Japanese music
accompanies
the puppets movements to complete the atmosphere.
At night time there are about 100 chochin (paper
lanterns) attached to each float and is illuminated
once
the area is veiled in darkness. The decorations and
ornaments on the yatai are accentuated by the
lanterns,
which add on to the festive mood. However, if it rains
the paper lantern parade would be cancelled since
the
yatai cannot get wet. Still you can see them in their
individual storehouses if you wish to see them. Also
there are food and game stands for people to enjoy at
the Takayama Autumn Festival that will not
disappoint.
Please see below for
tours that include Takayama Autumn Festival:
