Takayama Spring Festival, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and listed as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan, will be held on April 14 and 15.
The festival dates back to the period of the Kanamori clan – the feudal lords of Hida (1585-1692), while the yatai floats are said to have been tradition since as far back as 1718. The skillful puppet movements of the marionettes, and the intricately adorned carriages that make up the parade are examples of the local artisans' skilled techniques that have been honed over generations.
Twelve festival floats are pulled together to show off their gorgeous appearance – together with a festival procession of several hundred people, dressed in traditional costumes, accompanied by traditional court music, and lion dance. After nightfall, each float is adorned with as many as 100 lanterns, which cut through the darkness in this fantastical event.
Official Webpage: http://www.hida.jp/english/festivalsandevents/4000105.html
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