Hina Matsuri a.k.a. Doll's Festival

We have had an unusually warm winter this year, and there is hardly any snow on the ground anymore, and hints of spring can be found here and there. Before the sakura blossoms in early or mid-April, Takayama city also has something to offer, at a time when the temperature during the day is more suited for taking a stroll outdoors. What I am referring to is the Hinamatsuri,  or Doll's Day, which falls on March 3, a festival celebrated throughout Japan, but one month later in Takayama than in other places because spring comes late here.  In Takayama, the festival will run for more than a month, from March 1 to April 3, during which dolls representing a range of roles, including emperor, empress and musicians, in beautiful traditional court dress will be displayed in a variety of locations within the city. Don't miss your chance to take a close look at these beautifully dressed dolls as they will only be on display within the specified period. Try to discover them while taking a stroll in town. Don't count on people offering a longer display as superstition has it that leaving the dolls beyond April 4 will lead to a late marriage of a daughter: who would want that?

Takayama's 5th Ultra Marathon! 12th June

Takayama's 5th Ultra Marathon!12th　June　2016

For the 5th year in row, Takayama will host an insane 100km & 72km marathon! The course starts in the center of Takayama city, passes through the old town, continues out into the mountains past many beautiful rivers and then ends in the center of Takayama city

There will be two courses. You can see the full 100km course and the 72km course by clicking the link below:

http://kankou.city.takayama.lg.jp/_res/projects/kankou/_page_/002/001/179/5th_course_map.pdf

The marathon will have three separate start times starting from 4:45, 5:00 & 5:15am all starting infront of the Takayama City Hall.


The costs for participation are 18,000 yen for the 100km course and 14,000 for the 72km course respectively.

You can see further details written in English by clicking the link below:


http://www.r-wellness.com/takayama/english/index.html



Even if you have no interest in participating in this event,  you can get up at 4:30am you will be able to see this event.

We hope to see you here!