The Takayama Festivals are held twice a year, the Sanno Matsuri in April (spring) and the Hachiman Matsuri in October (autumn), and are counted among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Both feature parades of the town’s spectacular yatai floats, masterpieces of Hida carpentry decorated with gilding and carvings, alongside mechanical marionette (karakuri) performances that draw gasps from the crowds. The evening processions, when the illuminated floats are pulled through the old town by lantern light, are a particular highlight of these centuries-old celebrations.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Takayama, Gifu |
| Hours | Daytime and evening; mid-April & early-mid October |
| Admission | Free to view |
| Time needed | Full day (or across the festival days) |
| Best time | Check exact dates: spring mid-April, autumn early-mid October |
What to See
- Parades of the town’s spectacular yatai floats.
- Mechanical marionette (karakuri) performances.
- Evening processions of illuminated floats by lantern light.
- One of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals, held spring and autumn.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Takayama Festival Float Museum to see the floats year-round.
- Pair with Takayama Sanmachi Suji old town.
- Read our Gifu overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Takayama Station, with the festival in the old town nearby.
- By car: expect heavy congestion and parking restrictions during the festivals.
Tips
The festivals draw very large crowds and accommodation in Takayama books out far in advance, so plan and reserve early if you want to attend. The evening float processions are the most atmospheric part but also the most crowded, so arrive early for a good viewing position, and check the exact dates, which are fixed to mid-April and early-to-mid October each year.
