Located in Gifu Prefecture, the charming town of Takayama is home to Hachiman Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous and traditional autumn festivals. This annual event, which takes place on October 9 and 10, is a celebration rich in history, culture and visual splendor.
The Takayama festival is actually a biannual event:
Sanno Matsuri in spring, around Hie-jinja shrine;
and Hachiman Matsuri in autumn, around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
The autumn festival is centered on Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and is called Hachiman Festival. It takes place after harvesting the crops. The Autumn Festival is one of the three largest festivals in Japan. The other two are the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Chichibu Matsuri.
Parade
The festivals are famous for the large ornate floats, or yatai, that travel through the city at night. The floats date back to the 17th century and are decorated with intricate gilded wood carvings and detailed metalwork, similar in style to Kyoto art during the Momoyama period, and mixed with elements from the early Edo period. Detailed carvings, lacquering and beautiful decorative metal work are found not only on the exterior of the tanks, but also on the interior, under the roof and behind the panels, where the work is astonishingly detailed. The floats are also “beautifully decorated with embroidered draperies”. “The yatai floats are lined up before dusk, and once the city is shrouded in evening darkness, up to 100 chochin lanterns are lit on each of the floats. The unique ornaments of the yatai floats appear even more resplendent in the ‘darkness of night’.
The chariots are moved around the city by people, but they are wheeled carts and the carriers are not required to carry the load. The floats are lit by traditional lanterns and accompanied on a city tour by people in traditional kimono or hakama. Each float reflects the Takayama district it represents.
The puppet show is registered as a “national cultural treasure”. 11 fall tanks; the rest are stored in special warehouses throughout the city, when not in use. During inclement weather, the exterior doors of Yatai Kaikan are open for visitors to view. The Yatai Kaikan tanks are changed several times a year. year. Yatai Kaikan is located at the northern end of Takayama Old Town, a 15-20 minute walk from the train station. Yatai Kaikan is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from March to November and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from December to February. The entrance fee is 840 yen.
The puppets
The puppets are made of wood, silk and brocade or embroidered fabric. They are operated by ropes and push rods from the yatai. “The Karakuri (mechanical) puppet games performed on stage are superb.” The three puppets “on Hotei Tai (the god of fortune)” require 9 puppeteers to manipulate the 36 strings which make the puppets move realistically, with gestures, rotations and other movements. One problem with puppets is the parts needed to repair the puppets. The puppet springs are made from right whale baleen and 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 Train and Express Train: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes). In Nagoya, transfer to a Wide View Hida limited express train which will take you directly to Takayama (approximately 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 :
Several bus companies offer routes 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), located approximately 2 hours by car from Takayama. You can take a flight 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 approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Once you arrive at Takayama Station or Takayama Bus Station, you can easily access the city center on foot or by taxi. Hachiman Matsuri takes place mainly in downtown Takayama, so once there you can enjoy the festival and explore the city on foot. Be sure to check timetables and reservations for trains, buses or flights, depending on your transport choice, as they may vary depending on the season and demand.
Takayama’s Hachiman Matsuri is much more than just a festival. It is an immersion in 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, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary festival and experience the magic of Hachiman Matsuri.
