Takayama Spring Festival

Origin

This is where the craftsmanship of Hida collected itself into a single object. Edo-period townsmen competed in wealth and skill, and the result was karakuri — string-driven automata — mounted on the floats. It functions almost as a trade fair of craft.

What to look for

In the karakuri offering the puppets write characters or change costume. Stand close enough to see that it is all done with strings and the engineering becomes the show. At night the floats go out again under lanterns.

How to watch

The twelve floats are nationally designated cultural property — do not touch them. Rain changes the programme, and the floats may not come out into the streets at all. Check locally on the day.

Where

Hie Shrine, Takayama

Takayama, Gifu

Sources

• Takayama Yatai Preservation Society
• Hida Takayama Tourism & Convention Association