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Sunday, August 18, 2024

Discover Takayama's Festival Magic at Yatai Kaikan


The Takayama Festival Yatai Kaikan (高山祭屋台会館⭐) features authentic floats from the famous Takayama Festival. Unlike the seasonal festivities, this museum provides a year-round display of these intricate masterpieces. Experience the culmination of centuries-old craftsmanship by skilled Hida artisans, whose legacy is embodied in these stunning floats. Visit and immerse yourself in the heart of Takayama’s rich cultural heritage.

The Takayama Festival is generally believed to occur twice annually, in spring (April 14th and 15th) and autumn (October 9th and 10th). However, the shrines, regions, and floats featured in these spring and autumn festivals differ entirely. The spring festival takes place at Hie Shrine (日枝神社), while the autumn festival is celebrated at Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine (桜山八幡宮).

Takayama Autumn Festival 2011 (Karakuri-Hoteitai; YouTube link)

Immerse Yourself in Takayama's Float Tradition


On April 9, 2024, I visited Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and purchased a single adult ticket for 1000 yen to explore the Float exhibit at both Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and Sakurayama Nikkokan. Here's a recap of my day.


Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan 高山祭屋台会館

The Takayama Festival floats, or yatai, are iconic symbols of Japanese artistry and tradition. These towering structures, adorned with intricate carvings, gilded wood, and detailed metalwork, are a breathtaking sight.











Takayama Festival Float Exhibition (YouTube link)

Sakurayama Nikkokan 桜山日光館

This museum houses a meticulously crafted, one-tenth scale replica of the world-famous Nikko-Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮). Built over 15 years by 33 skilled artisans, this masterpiece showcases the intricate details of the original. After touring the United States, the replica found its permanent home here. To enhance the experience, a computerized lighting system recreates Nikko's sunrise and sunset within the museum.

Sakurayama Nikkokan 桜山日光館 (YouTube link)


Houndstooth check is created by interlacing square cypress bars. Historically, this technique was a closely guarded secret among Hida craftsmen and has remained undisclosed.

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