The Yayoi Festival is a historic celebration in Nikko, Tochigi, with a tradition spanning 1200 years. Taking place at Nikko Futarasan Shrine, the festival marks the arrival of spring with a grand procession of 11 "Hana-Yatai" floats, beautifully decorated with artificial Yashio Azalea flowers.
The festivities begin with the evening festival on April 16th, where families from different neighborhoods gather for a parade, followed by a ceremony and a symbolic hand-clapping ritual at Shinkyo Bridge. As night falls, lanterns illuminate the city as participants return to their communities.
The main event on April 17th brings all Hana-Yatai floats together at Futarasan Shrine. A dramatic highlight is the sight of festival-goers working in unison to pull the floats up the shrine’s stone steps, a challenging and exciting spectacle. In some cases, tourists are even invited to ride the floats.
Due to its deep-rooted customs and strict adherence to traditional rules, any mistakes in the procession can cause "gota" (trouble) among neighborhoods, earning the festival the nickname "Gota Festival." With its vibrant floats, ancient rituals, and community spirit, the Yayoi Festival offers a rare glimpse into Nikko’s rich cultural heritage.
