Held on 14–15 April at Hie Shrine, the Sanno Matsuri is one half of the famous Takayama Festival and is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Twelve elaborately lacquered and carved yatai floats are drawn through the old town's historic streets, some featuring karakuri mechanical puppets performing intricate routines. Evening lantern illumination of the floats on the 14th creates an especially magical atmosphere. The backdrop of the Hida mountains and traditional townscape makes this one of Japan's most photogenic festivals.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- Mid-April
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Gifu
- City
- Takayama
Highlights
- ◆12 UNESCO-listed Edo-period yatai floats
- ◆Karakuri mechanical puppet demonstrations
- ◆Evening lantern-lit float procession
- ◆Set in Takayama's immaculately preserved Sanmachi Suji district
- ◆Hie Shrine ceremonial rituals and lion dances