JANUARY / ichi-gatsu
Kadomatsu
A decoration consisting of a part of pine trees and stems of bamboo.
It is placed on both sides of the front entrance of a house during New
Year's holidays. It symbolizes longevity, prosperity and purity.
Shimekazari
A decoration of twisted straw rope with fern leaves, oranges and other
items of good luck. It is placed across the top of the entrance of a house
during New Year's holidays.
Hanamochi
A tree decorated with rice dumplings (mochi), meant to resemble white
and pink flowers starting to bloom in the town.
Nijuyokka-ichi
A big folk craft market is held along the Honmachi street every January
24th.
Sakagura-Meguri
Sake brewery tours (you may see the process of sake making). There are
8 sake breweries in Takayama, and they are open to tourists and customers
during winter from January to February.
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FEBRUARY / ni-gatsu
Setsubun
It takes place on February 3rd, the eve of the first day of Spring in
the lunar calender. People cry out, "in with good luck, out with devils!"
as they scatter beans inside and outside their houses. In Takayama, the
ceremonies are held at Hida Kokubunji, Daioji and other temples to celebrate
Spring.
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MARCH / san-gatsu
Hinamatsuri
The Doll's Festival or Girl's Festival is observed on March 3 (in Takayama, April 3). Graceful dolls of the Emperor
and Empress, and noble court people in Heian era costumes are displayed
to celebrate the girls' healthy growth and to wish them to be as graceful
Heian nobles.
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APRIL / shi-gatsu
Takayama Matsuri
The Takayama Matsuri or Takayama Festival is held twice a
year, in Spring on April 14th and 15th, and in Autumn
on October 9th and 10th. The highlight of both festivals are the gorgeously
colored and richly decorated floats. In Spring, there are twelve of these
old floats and eleven in Autumn. During both festivals the floats can be
seen together on the streets of the town. Some of them have ancient marionettes
which are still used to entertain spectators. On the night of both April
14th and October 9th, the floats are decked with lanterns and parade through
the streets. Thus, the Takayama Festivals are regarded as one of the most
beautiful festivals in Japan.
Tenmanmori Matsuri
Held at Tenmanmori Shrine on 14th and 15th.
Ipponsugi Matsuri
Held at Ipponsugi Hakusan-Jinja Shrine on 14th and 15th.
Shotaiji Matsuri
Held at Toshogu Shrine on 15th.
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MAY / go-gatsu
Higashiyama" Sansha
Matsuri
Held at Higashiyama Shrines (Hakusan, Shinmei and Nishikiyama Jinja
Shrines) on the 4th and 5th.
Hida Sosha Reisai
Held at Hida Sosha Shrine on the 4th and 5th.
Tango-No-Sekku
The Boy's Festival is observed on May 5 (in Takayama, June 5) to celebrate
a boy's healthy growth. Warrior dolls wearing miniatures suits of amour
are displayed and carp-shaped streamers called Koinobori are hoisted on
a tall pole wishing them to be courageous as@carp, which ascend the strongest
rapids.
Taue
The transplanting of rice seedlings into the paddy fields conducted
by the farmers during the early Summer rainy season. This is considered
an auspicious occasion for the farmers.
Opening" of the Norikura
Norikura Skyline
The road running into the Norikura mountainous area is opened on 15th.
Beautiful views of mountain flowers can be enjoyed until the closing of
the road due to snow in Winter.
Garakuta-Ichi
The antique art and folk craft market is held at Sanmachi Street on
every 7th day from May to October.
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JUNE / roku-gatsu
Opening of Hida Takayama
Camp Site
Hida Takayama Camping Site which is located in the Hida Highland opens
from mid-June.
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| JULY-DECEMBERE |
(C): Hida Takayama International Association All right reserved.
ANNUAL EVENTS