To visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (date of inscription1995), tourists pass through the historical city of Hida-Takayama (飛騨高山). Takayama means ‘tall mountain’.
We planned our schedule to experience Hida-Takayama’s well-known Spring Festival (April 14~15) before travelling to Shirakawa-go. A city in Gifu prefecture, Hida-Takayama’s high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept the area fairly isolated, allowing Hida-Takayama to develop its own culture, over an approximately 300-year Tokugawa period. The city is best known for its peoples’ expertise in carpentry, a city with the elegance of Kyoto and sophistication of Edo (current Tokyo) combined.
Every breathtaking float (yatai) is intricately decorated. Clockwork mechanical dolls (Karakuri ningyō) are placed on top of every float and their skillful movements play an important role in the festival. The procession takes place from early through late evening. Lighted paper lanterns (chochin) provide luxurious illumination. It proceeds throughout the city and passes over a red bridge, traversing a river which divides the city.
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I really love the culture and atmosphere of Japan ~~