Yuhana Festival & Ema Market
The Yuhana Festival is an annual celebration of the natural hot spring waters at Hirayuu Onsen. Hot spring water gathered from each local source in the area is poured into a cauldron, and gomagi (wooden sticks inscribed with wishes) are burned beneath it to heat the water. The heated water is then sprinkled over visitors, and is said to bring good health and business prosperity.
Starting in the afternoon, ema (votive tablets) — a traditional good luck charm of the Okuhida region — go on sale at the Ema Market.
Date: Friday, May 15 (held annually on May 15)
Schedule:
- Ema Market: from approximately 1:00 PM
- Yuhana Festival ritual: from approximately 7:30 PM (cancelled in rainy weather)
Venue: Hirayuu Shrine grounds, Hirayuu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City
Organized by: Hirayuu Onsen Tourism Association
Norikura Skyline Opening Bus Departure Ceremony
With the Norikura Skyline opening for the season, Hirayuu Onsen is holding a bus departure ceremony to mark the start of the mountain climbing period. The celebration features a shishi-mai (lion dance) performed by the Hirayuu Onsen Youth Group, as well as a taiko drum performance by sixth graders from Tochiro Elementary School.
Date: Friday, May 15
Schedule:
- Departure Ceremony: from 8:05 AM
- Bus Departure: from 8:35 AM
Venue: Hirayuu Bus Terminal, Hirayuu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City
Organized by: Hirayuu Onsen Tourism Association
