The Takayama Spring Festival, also known as Sanno Matsuri, is one of Japan's biggest festivals marking the change of the season. Held annually on April 14 and 15, this vibrant event is dedicated to Hie Shrine in the stunning old town of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. The festival complements the Hachiman Matsuri, which is celebrated in the autumn.
From Yomatsuri to Karakuri
The night before the main event, the Yomatsuri (night festival) brings an ethereal charm to the celebration. Held on April 14, it transforms Takayama into a magical spectacle. Around 100 lanterns illuminate each float as they slowly parade through the city, creating a breathtakingly different experience from the daytime festivities. The night festival begins at 6pm, with the procession starting near Nahabashi Bridge before leading into the official festival parade the following day.
The festival procession on April 15 features hundreds of participants in Edo-period attire accompanying the portable shrine of Sannou-sama, the patron deity of Hie Shrine. Performers dressed in traditional robes also add to the spectacle, with shishimai (lion dancers) and tokeiraku (gong performers) bringing an energetic rhythm to the parade.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the grand display of 12 yatai (festival floats), enhanced by a lively procession and paraded all at the same time. The floats are decorated with exquisite carvings, textiles, and gold embellishments. Three of them feature marionette performances, where master puppeteers bring lifelike figures to life in a stunning display of traditional artistry.
In Shinto rituals, offerings are not limited to material goods, so the float parade also includes traditional performances and competitive events as acts of devotion. One such performance is the karakuri dedication, a centuries-old art form that has been part of the festival since marionette dolls were first incorporated into the floats between 1804 and 1830.
At the Takayama Jinya Historical Government House, visitors can witness a mesmerizing marionette performance featuring three intricately designed floats: Sanbaso, Ryujin-tai, and Shakkyo-tai. These lifelike puppets are controlled by six to eight skilled masters, known as tsunakata, who expertly maneuver numerous strings to create fluid, expressive movements.
