The Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri, held in mid-April at Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine on the shores of Lake Biwa, is one of Japan's most unique and beloved spring festivals, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Twelve ornate hikiyama festival floats — each a masterpiece of lacquerwork and carvings — are paraded through the old castle town, and on select floats children aged 5–12 perform kabuki plays in full professional costumes and makeup. The tradition of children performing kabuki on moving floats dates back to the 17th century. Only four of the twelve floats are selected each year to perform, heightening the sense of anticipation.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- Mid-April
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Shiga
- City
- Nagahama
Highlights
- ◆UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival
- ◆Children performing kabuki on ornate moving festival floats
- ◆Twelve elaborately lacquered and carved hikiyama floats
- ◆17th-century tradition in a historic castle town
- ◆Set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Biwa