Takayama Spring Festival is annually held on
April 14th and 15th. It is considered one of the three
most
beautiful festivals in Japan. The yatai (floats) embody
the
hundreds of years of craftsmanship in the Takayama
area
and rivals the Yomeimon Gate of the Toshogu Shrine in
Nikko.
Takayama Spring Festival has 12
antique yatai
(floats)
that are lavishly crafted. The floats showcase the
craftsmanship, which dates back hundreds of years
ago.
This event has been held annually on April 14th and
15th to signify the beginning of spring in Takayama.
The
first time the Takayama Spring Festival was held is
unknown, there are records going back to mid-17th
century. Hie Shrine hosts this annual festival and is
located in the southern part of Old Town in
Takayama. It
is also referred to as Sanno-sama and thus the spring
festivities are also known as Sanno Festival.
On the day of the festival the yatai are displayed from
the morning to the late afternoon. If the weather is not
at
the optimal conditions that day then the floats would
be
in the storehouses with the doors open for people to
go
in and see them. Several 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. The performances by
these mechanical puppets have been designated as
a
cultural asset.
In the afternoon there is a mikoshi (portable shrine)
procession going around the town. These portable
shrines carry the Shinto deity (kami) from their
respective shrines. For the Takayama Spring Festival
the festivals begin at Hie Shrine and end there. The
craftsmanship of these floats is amazing and it is said
to
be equal to the Yomeimon Gate of the Toshogu
Shrine
in Nikko. At night time on April 14th the yatai are
pulled
through the streets of Old Town. The night festival
(yomatsuri) is considered one of the highlights. These
floats are illuminated by the paper lanterns that are
hung all around the structure.
Please see below for tours that include
Takayama Spring Festival:
