Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) - One of Japan's three most beautiful festivals held in Hida-Takayama in October

The Takayama Autumn Festival, held annually in October in Hida Takayama, is one of Japan's most prestigious festival celebrations, with approximately 400 years of history as the annual festival of Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine. Officially known as Hachiman Matsuri, it is beloved alongside the Spring Sanno Matsuri as the "Takayama Festival" and was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. This magnificent celebration embodies the pinnacle of tradition and craftsmanship passed down from the Edo period, truly deserving the title of "moving Yomeimon Gate." The festival's greatest highlight consists of 11 gorgeously decorated floats (yatai). These completely lacquered floats feature intricate wood carvings, gold leaf, and decorative metal fittings that fully express the skills of Hida's master craftsmen. The oldest float, Kagura-dai, was created in 1708, and each float features unique decorations and designs, with each one holding value as a work of art. During the day, visitors can closely admire the precision decorations of the floats, while at night more than 100 lanterns are lit on each float, creating a fantastical scene that illuminates the historic townscape. Of particular note is the masterful performance of "karakuri ningyo" (mechanical puppets) presented on the Hotei-dai float. Eight puppet masters skillfully manipulate 36 strings, as karako (child puppets) perform ayawatari (tightrope walking), culminating in the magnificent reveal of a "Wako-dojin" banner from Hotei's war fan. This traditional performing art has been passed down since the late Edo period and represents a precious cultural heritage that embodies the fusion of Japanese mechanical technology and artistry. During the festival period, a sacred procession takes place where mikoshi (portable shrines) guarded by lion dancers and attendants in ceremonial dress parade through the castle town, offering spectacular scenes like a historical scroll painting. Additionally, evening festivals are held at night where floats beautifully decorated with lanterns parade through the old townscape, with traditional "Takai Yama" separation songs echoing on the return journey. These events are carefully preserved by local people, with roles shared from children to elders, maintaining traditions across generations. The Takayama Autumn Festival is not merely a tourist event, but a precious cultural heritage that symbolizes the history, culture, and community bonds of Hida Takayama. The gorgeously decorated float processions unfolding in the Edo-period atmosphere of the historic townscape offer a rare experience where visitors can feel the excellence of Japanese traditional craftsmanship and the solidarity of the local community.