If you’re in Takayama this summer, one event we highly recommend is the Sakurayama Wind Chime Festival (桜山風鈴まつり). It’s a peaceful, festive way to enjoy the subtle joys of a traditional Japanese summer celebration.
Held at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine from July 19 to August 23 (18:00～20:30), the shrine will be decorated with around 2,000 colorful glass wind chimes. Swaying gracefully in the breeze, they fill the air with soft, tinkling sounds, letting you absorb the Japanese summer spirit.
You’ll see many locals, both women and men, dressed in colorful, elegant Yukata, a light summer kimono, while holding beautiful sensu folding fans that adds a cheerful, traditional charm to the evening.
For an extra special experience, we recommend visiting on any Saturday evening from July 26 to August 16, when the wind chimes are lit up at night.The gentle lights and cool summer air create a magical, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
On Saturday, August 2, there will also be a small festival event from 4 PM to 8:30 PM, with food stalls, kitchen cars, street performances, and even live gagaku music (a traditional Japanese court music using ancient instruments). We recommend this special event to anyone visiting Takayama as a unique way to enjoy a traditional Japanese summer evening.
The festival also features a fun hands-on activity where you can paint and decorate your own wind chime to take home as a souvenir, or write a wish on a hōnō fūrin (奉納風鈴), a wind chime offered as a prayer or dedication.
The festival is free to enter, and the shrine is about a 20–24 minute walk from Takayama Station, or just a few steps from the “Hachimangu-mae” bus stop. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, be a part of the festival to enjoy summer in Hida-Takayama. We recommend visitors to carry a small towel or fan, to stay cool!
Information
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
・Address: 178 Sakuramachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0858
・Shrine Hours: Open 24 Hours
・Phone: 0577-32-0240
Sakurayama Wind Chime Festival
・Dates: 2025/7/19(Sat) ~ 2025/8/23(Sat)
・Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM
*Hours may differ depending on specific event dates
