Japan's Spring Mountain King Festival Showcases 12 Stunning Floats

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

As spring returns to the earth, Japanese festivals awaken from winter, capturing the attention of travelers worldwide. This year during the Lunar New Year, the Takayama Matsuri—Spring Mountain King Festival, which once performed across the sea in Taiwan and is ranked among Japan’s three great beautiful festivals alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Chichibu Night Festival, will be held on April 14–15 in Takayama, Japan. The most eye-catching parade floats—yatai—of each festival will once again be displayed to the world, and during the evening “Night Festival,” lanterns will adorn the yatai, presenting a different festival atmosphere from daytime. When the yatai are showcased during this annual event, they attract not only domestic and international tourists but also frequent live broadcasts by foreign media covering the festivities.

Located in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, the Takayama Matsuri consists of the Spring Mountain King Festival and the Autumn Hachiman Festival. The origins of the Takayama Matsuri date back to the period between 1586 and 1692, when the local feudal lord Kanamori clan held power in Hida Province. It has been a tradition to hold the Takayama Matsuri since then. The stars of the festival—the yatai—had their structure and performance formats established by 1718. These resplendent and elaborately designed yatai have always been funded by Takayama’s wealthy merchants known as the “Sanmachi-tsu,” and were designed and crafted by the finest artisans of Hida, including carpenters, sculptors, and lacquerware masters. They have been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

 

Different from the 11 yatai of the Autumn Hachiman Festival, this year’s Spring Takayama Matsuri features 12 yatai: Kagura-yatai, Sanbaso, Ryūjin-yatai, Ishibashi-yatai, Kotoko-yatai, Kōriyama-yatai, Hōō-yatai, Ebisu-yatai, Kirin-yatai, Godaisan-yatai, Ōkuni-yatai, and Seiryū-yatai. Each yatai is exquisitely ornate, with the lead Kagura-yatai featuring an impressive 118 cm taiko drum on its roof, along with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes that draw gasps upon its appearance. The finale Seiryū-yatai showcases the masterful craftsmanship of its artisans through finely embroidered dragon patterns, while the Sanbaso, Ryūjin-yatai, and Ishibashi-yatai also feature captivating puppet performances that are truly spectacular.

 

This year’s Takayama Matsuri—Spring Mountain King Festival takes place from April 14–15, with activities beginning daily at 09:30. In addition to yatai displays, there are traditional dance music ceremonies and costumed parades called “Gosennkyō.” The grand procession, along with performances such as mikoshi (portable shrines), lion dances, kagura, gagaku (court music), and cockfighting music, ensures a lively day. The Night Festival is only held on April 14 from 18:30–21:00, so visitors eager to see the illuminated yatai should seize the opportunity. Official website: www.hida.jp.

 

 

● Read more: Takayama Yatai Kaikan Offers Insight into Festival Heritage