What to know
The Takayama Festival, held in spring (April 14-15) and autumn (October 9-10), is one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals, alongside Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and the Chichibu Matsuri.
Four of the autumn festival's eleven floats (yatai) are displayed at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan (高山祭屋台会館) next to Hachiman Shrine. These elaborately decorated floats, several hundred years old, are stunning examples of Takayama's legendary craftsmanship.
Adjacent to the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and included in the admission price is the Nikkokan, a spacious hall featuring impressive models of the various buildings of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, one of Japan's most ornate and celebrated shrines. A famous carpenter credited with many of Toshogu's carvings is said to have had ties to Takayama.
The Takayama Yatai Kaikan and Nikkokan are located at the northern end of Takayama's old town, a 20-25 minute walk from Takayama Station.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 1000 yen (~$6.4) (allows entry to both halls)
- English name
- Sakurayama Hachimangu
- Original name
- Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.