• 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.

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.