Two special viewing plans for the Johana Hikiyama Festival (城端曳山祭) are on offer for the 2026 festival on May 5 (Tuesday, public holiday) in Johana, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. The plans allow visitors to enjoy the festival's signature "Iori-uta" (庵唄) performances at a relaxed pace from a prime reserved seat.
What Is the Johana Hikiyama Festival?
The Johana Hikiyama Festival, which boasts approximately 300 years of history, has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as a precious festival that preserves the ancient form of welcoming the gods. Set against the backdrop of Johana's fresh greenery, six magnificent hikiyama floats and ornate Iori-yatai (screen-decorated portable stages) performing the elegant "Iori-uta" — rooted in Edo-era popular songs — parade through the streets. It is a representative early-summer festival of Toyama that blends the elegance of Kyoto with the refined culture of Edo.
- Date: May 4, 2026 (Monday, public holiday) Eve Festival / May 5 (Tuesday, public holiday) Main Festival
- Venue: Johana Central Town Area, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
A "Moving Art Museum" Passed Down for 300 Years
With a history spanning over 300 years from the mid-Edo period (Kyoho era), the festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Against the backdrop of Johana's prosperity from the silk weaving industry, the festival developed a unique character by blending the refined cultures of Kyoto and Edo. The six hikiyama floats, adorned with intricate carvings and lacquerwork by local craftsmen, are truly deserving of the title "moving art museum."
An Ancient Procession of Divine Welcome
During the main festival on May 5, the ancient form of a divine welcoming procession is preserved and carried on to the present day — with lion dances and sword-tipped poles to ward off evil spirits, and umbrella-tipped poles to welcome divine spirits. The sight of the mikoshi portable shrine procession accompanied by elegant Iori-yatai and magnificent hikiyama floats is one of the distinctive hallmarks of the Johana Hikiyama Festival.
"Iori-uta" and "Iori-uta Shoumou" — The Refined Culture of Edo
The Iori-yatai that leads the hikiyama floats is modeled after the iconic Ichiriki Ochaya teahouse in Gion, Kyoto, and from within, "Iori-uta" — ballads originating from Edo-period popular songs — are performed to the sounds of shamisen and shinobue flutes.
Among these traditions, the "Iori-uta Shoumou" (庵唄所望), in which residents offer a gratuity to have Iori-uta performed in front of their homes, is a symbol of the refined culture nurtured by the townspeople of Johana. At night, the floats transform into lantern-lit displays, fantastically illuminating the historic streets to the creaking sound of their wheels.
Plan 1: [Indulge in Luxury] Premium Plan with Tatami Room Viewing and a Local Guide (Limited to 20 Guests per Day)
On the day of the main festival, May 5, this day-limited premium plan lets visitors watch the festival from a special tatami room. Accompanied by local guide group "Hata no Koe Johana," guests can enjoy a special day exploring the deep charms of the festival.
Highlights of this plan:
- Local Guide: A town walk with a guide providing detailed explanations of the festival's origins and Johana's history.
- Tatami Room Viewing: Leisurely enjoy "Iori-uta" from the tatami room at the Shoumou-yado (Ebisu Kaikan).
- Local Cuisine: Lunch featuring a special Hikiyama Gozen set meal at "Shun no Aji Maneki," plus a complimentary snack.
Plan Overview:
- Date: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday, public holiday)
- Price: ¥15,000 per person (tax included)
- Capacity: 20 guests (minimum 8 guests required)
- Meeting Place: In front of Nanto City Johana Traditional Performing Arts Hall "Johana-za"
- Schedule: 11:30 AM Gather in front of Johana-za → 11:45 AM Lunch at "Shun no Aji Maneki" → 12:45 PM Town walk with guide → 1:30 PM Tatami room viewing at Ebisu Kaikan → 3:30 PM Break and dispersal at Johana Yorisoi Yokocho
- Reservation Deadline: April 10, 2026 (Friday)
Plan 2: [Enjoy Casually] Special Venue Viewing Seat Plan at the Hikiyama Museum
At a special venue beside the Hikiyama Museum, this plan allows visitors to closely watch the "Iori-uta" of all six districts, complete with commentary.
Highlights of this plan:
- Watch the "Iori-uta" of all six districts — rooted in Edo-era popular songs — up close at a reserved seat in the special venue beside the Hikiyama Museum.
- A small souvenir (local sweets) is included as a travel memento.
Plan Overview:
- Date: May 5, 2026 (Tuesday, public holiday)
- Price: ¥1,500 (includes small souvenir and consumption tax)
- Meeting Place: Temporary Tourist Information Center beside the Johana Hikiyama Museum
- Reservation Deadline: May 2 (Saturday) — ends when capacity is reached
Reservations and Details
For details and reservations, please visit the official website:
