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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival
The finest craftsmanship and the spirit of the locals parade with elaborate floats through the castle town
Toyama Prefecture
During the Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival, held annually on May 1, seven beautiful floats with traditional ornaments hit the streets in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
In 1588, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the samurai who ruled Japan during the time, welcomed the then-emperor at his Jurakudai palace, and the court carriage used for the emperor on the way was later gifted to the Kaga Maeda family, the local power back in the day. In 1609, the carriage was given to the townspeople. This is said to be the origin of the festival.
The gorgeously decorated Mikurumayama floats feature many traditional local crafts, the most famous of which is Takaoka copperware. The city's casting industry has a long history dating back to 400 years ago when one of the Maeda family heads built a foundry in the area now called Kanaya-machi, as part of his industrial policy to make the castle town prosperous.
With the long and strong support of the local community, the festival has grown to become the glorious spectacle it is today. The carriage-like floats with wheels and railings demonstrate the excellent craftsmanship of Takaoka's metalwork, lacquer, dyeing, and weaving techniques, making it a sight not to be missed.
How to get there
From Toyama Station, transfer to the Ainokaze Toyama Railway and get off at Takaoka Station. It is about a 10 minute walk from there.
Around Yamamachi-suji and Katahara-machi, Takaoka-shi, Toyama-ken
