Festival Matsuri Autumn · Early October

Takayama Matsuri (Autumn: Hachiman Festival)

Takayama · Gifu · Chubu

Occurring on 9–10 October at Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine, the autumn Takayama Matsuri fields twelve yatai floats and shares UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status with its spring counterpart. Crimson maple foliage frames the gilded floats as lion dances and sacred music fill the air. At night, each float blazes with dozens of lanterns, creating mirror-image reflections in the Miya River that runs alongside the procession route.

Type
Festival
Category
Matsuri
Season
Autumn
Month
Early October
Region
Chubu
Prefecture
Gifu
City
Takayama

Highlights

  • Twelve UNESCO-listed yatai floats in autumn foliage
  • Sacred lion dances (shishimai) performed along the route
  • Stunning lantern reflections on the Miya River
  • Hachiman Shrine grand ritual ceremonies
  • Local sake and Hida beef stalls throughout the old town