Located in Gifu Prefecture, the charming city of Takayama is home to the Hachiman Matsuri festival. It is one of Japan’s most famous and traditional autumn festivals. This annual event takes place on October 9th and 10th. It is a celebration rich in history, culture, and visual splendor.
The Takayama festival is actually a biennial event:
Sanno Matsuri in the spring, around Hie-jinja Shrine;
and Hachiman Matsuri in the fall, around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
The Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine hosts the autumn festival, which is called the Hachiman Festival. It takes place after the harvest. This autumn festival is one of the three largest festivals in Japan. The other two are Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and the Chichibu Matsuri.
The Parade
Large, ornate floats, or yatai, parade through the city at night during the festival celebration. Craftsmen decorate the floats, which date back to the 17th century, with intricate gilded wood carvings and detailed metalwork. They are similar in style to the art of Kyoto during the Momoyama period, and mixed with elements from the early Edo period. Detailed carvings, lacquering, and beautiful decorative metalwork can be found on the outside of the floats.But also inside, under the roof and behind the panels, the craftsmen do amazingly detailed work. Embroidered draperies also adorn the floats beautifully.
The yatai floats are lined up before dusk, and once the city is veiled in evening darkness, up to 100 chochin lanterns are lit on each float. The unique ornaments of the yatai floats look even more resplendent in the darkness of the night.
Its Process
The floats are moved around the city by people. But these are wheeled carts and the bearers are not required to carry the load. The floats are lit by traditional lanterns. And during a tour of the city, people in traditional kimono or hakama accompany the floats. Each float reflects the Takayama district it represents.
The government has registered the puppet show as a “national cultural treasure.” 11 autumn floats; The rest are stored in special warehouses throughout the city when not in use. In bad weather, the outer gates of the Yatai Kaikan are opened for visitors to view. The floats in the Yatai Kaikan are changed several times a year. year. The Yatai Kaikan is located at the northern end of Takayama’s old town. That is, a 15-20 minute walk from the station. The Yatai Kaikan is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from March to November and from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm from December to February. Its entrance fee is 840 yen.
The Puppets
The artisans make the puppets out of wood, silk, brocade, or embroidered fabric. They are operated by strings and push rods from the yatai. “The Karakuri (mechanical) puppet plays performed on stage are superb.” The three puppets “on Hotei Tai (the god of fortune)” require 9 puppeteers to manipulate the 36 strings. These make the puppets move realistically, with gestures, rotations, and other movements. One problem with the puppets is the parts needed to repair the puppets. The puppets’ springs are made of black whale baleen. They cannot be replaced with steel springs or baleen from other whales.
How to get there
To get to Takayama from Tokyo, here are some transportation options:
By train:
- Shinkansen and express train: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya (about 1 hour 40 minutes). In Nagoya, transfer to a Wide View Hida Limited Express train that will take you directly to Takayama (about 2.5 hours). This is the fastest option.
- Wide View Hida Limited Express Train from Nagoya: If you are already in Nagoya, you can take the Wide View Hida Limited Express train directly to Takayama.
By bus:
There are several bus companies that operate between Tokyo and Takayama. Night buses are popular because they allow you to arrive in Takayama in the morning. The bus journey usually takes 5 to 6 hours.
By plane:
The closest airport to Takayama is Komatsu Airport (IATA code: KMQ). It is about a 2-hour drive from Takayama. You can fly from Tokyo Narita Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport. Then take a train or bus to Takayama.
By car:
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Tokyo and take the Chuo Expressway to Takayama. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Once you arrive at Takayama Station or its bus terminal, you can easily reach the city center on foot or by taxi. The Hachiman Matsuri is mainly held in downtown Takayama, so once you get there, you can enjoy the festival and explore the city on foot. Be sure to check the schedules and reservations for trains, buses, or flights, depending on your choice of transportation. As they may vary depending on the season and demand.
Conclusion
The Takayama Hachiman Matsuri is much more than just a festival. It is an immersion into Japanese history, culture and tradition. The festive atmosphere, beautifully decorated yatai, traditional dances and religious ceremonies make it an unforgettable experience for visitors. If you are lucky enough to visit Takayama in April, do not miss the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary festival. And experience the magic of the Hachiman Matsuri.
