Walking Tour of Takayama Festival Floats and Historic Street
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Takayama through its most iconic festival traditions. This half-day walking tour takes you through the history and artistry behind the Takayama Festival, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful celebrations. Explore the elaborate festival floats at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum, learn about the intricate craftsmanship that brings them to life, and visit Hachimangu Shrine, the spiritual home of the festival. Walk through the Old Town, where merchant houses and sake breweries reflect the enduring legacy of Takayama’s past, and start the day at the Takayama Morning Markets, where local flavors and crafts set the scene for this culturally immersive experience. Led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, this tour is perfect for those looking to discover Takayama’s cultural treasures in just a few hours.
Options
Join in the Afternoon -1:30PM
Afternoon Tour
What's included in Walking Tour of Takayama Festival Floats and Historic Street
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
The tour begins at Takayama Station, where you’ll meet your guide before heading to visit the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum, where you’ll see the breathtaking festival floats up close. These elaborately decorated Yatai, or festival floats, are used in the Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s most celebrated events. Your guide will explain the intricate carvings, moving mechanical dolls, and traditional lacquerwork that make each float a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Gain insight into how these floats are preserved and paraded through the streets during the festival.
Sakurayama Nikkokan
In addition to the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum, this tour also includes a visit to the Sakurayama Nikkokan Museum, offering an added layer of historical and artistic insight. This museum houses stunning, detailed scale replicas of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, one of Japan’s most ornate and revered shrines. The intricate craftsmanship of these models showcases the same dedication to detail and artistry found in Takayama’s festival floats, making it a perfect complement to the Yatai Museum experience.
Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
From there, continue to Hachimangu Shrine, the sacred site that serves as the focal point of the autumn festival. This historic shrine has long been associated with the festival, where ceremonial processions and performances take place each year. Learn about the deep connection between the shrine and the community, and the long-standing traditions that keep Takayama’s festival culture alive.
Inclusions
- English speaking guide
- Admission to one of the traditional houses in the Old Town
- Admission to the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum and Sakurayama Nikkokan Museum
- Guided tour through Takayama
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M.
