The Autumn Takayama Festival, taking place this Thursday and Friday, is recognized as one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Alongside the Spring Takayama Festival, it is considered one of the city’s most vibrant seasonal events. The 2025 festival will include a parade of elaborately decorated floats, karakuri puppet performances, and other highlights that attract visitors from across Japan and abroad!
Autumn Takayama Festival 2025 Highlights
When you arrive at Takayama Station, the first thing you’ll notice is the impressive 2.2-meter paper lantern on display — a clear sign that the town is alive with festival excitement.
Traditional Festival Procession
Watch hundreds of locals walk through the streets dressed in traditional attire like kamishimo (samurai-style clothing), carrying a portable shrine that enshrines the festival deity. You’ll also see shishimai (lion dance) performers and tokeiraku groups ringing bells in colorful rooster costumes joining the lively parade.
Karakuri Puppet Performance
At Sakurayama Hachimangū Shrine, the marionette performance on the “Hotei-tai” float is a local favorite. In this special karakuri (traditional mechanical puppet) performance, skilled masters known as tsunakata control dozens of strings to animate the puppets with remarkable precision.
Yatai Float Display
The Takayama Autumn Festival is famous for its matsuri-yatai (festival floats). Ten beautifully crafted floats, each featuring unique decorations and detailed woodwork, are paraded around the town. Enjoy your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and unique design of each float. As evening falls, the festival takes on a different atmosphere. During Yoimatsuri, the night-time celebration, hundreds of lanterns illuminate each float, casting a warm glow across the streets of Takayama.
The Autumn Takayama Festival is held annually on October 9 and 10, centered around Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and the surrounding area along the Miyagawa River. For those unable to attend this year, it is an event well worth keeping in mind for future travel plans!
Looking for the best viewing spots or wondering when to catch the karakuri puppet performances? Our local staff at MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS will be happy to share tips to help you make the most of your Takayama Festival experience and your time in Hida Takayama! For more travel ideas, be sure to explore our other blog posts featuring local food spots and sightseeing attractions.
