Takayama Matsuri

Takayama is a small town which hosts one of Japan's best loved festivals, the Takayama Matsuri, which takes place on April 14th and 15th every year and marks the change of season from winter to spring. It is most famous for its floats or 'yatai', some dating back to the 17th century, beautifully decorated with amazing carvings, metal work and lacquerware. Some of the floats have marionettes 'karakuri ningyo', puppeteering being a traditional Japanese artistry. There was an afternoon procession through the town of people dressed in the most fabulous Edo period costumes, livened up with music, gong players and lion dancers. In the evening the floats were processed through the streets pulled by many hands, to the accompaniment of sacred music and beautifully illuminated by hundreds of lanterns.