Takayama Spring Festival 2014

Takayama Spring Festival 2014

Every year during April 14th - 15th*, Takayama welcomes in spring by hosting one of Japan's biggest and most famous festivals.

Events:

The Floats ( Various times / 14th-15th April*)


During this year's spring festival three magnificently crafted floats will be paraded around the streets of the old town.

We will be able to supply further details and time schedules of the floats procession when we are notified. 



The first float is Sanbaso (三番叟),










The second being Ryuujintai (龍神台) 














and the last being Shakkyotai (石橋台)














Karakuri Marionette Performance (14th-15th April*)

Twice a day morning and afternoon the floats will come to rest. During this time, atop each float the Karakuri dolls will come to life in traditional performances and dances. Each doll is intricately controlled by professional puppeteers.



Night Festival ( From 18:30 / April 14th*)

During the early evening when it's become dark, all 12 of Takayama's current floats are decorated with multiple beautifully illuminated lanterns as children with their variety of instruments climb up onto the second floor of the float. They are then paraded around the old town (though not always so gingerly!) by groups of local men.


Upon arrival to Takayama we can supply you with further information as we receive it.

*Please note that the festival will be postponed or even cancelled in the event of rain or other unfavorable weather conditions.

We hope to see you here in time for the festival!

Hida Ichi no Miya Hina Doll Festival

Hida Ichi no Miya
63rd Hina Matsuri Festival
w/ Hyoka Anime!





What is it?

Every year in March, beautiful arrays of ornamental dolls can be seen in various places a custom which has its roots back in the Heian period of Japan.

Formerly, people believed the dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits and at one time these dolls would be sent afloat down the river, supposedly taking troubles or bad spirits with them.

Normally known in English as the "Hina Doll Festival" or "Girls' Day", it normally takes place on the 3rd of March however, because the Takayama area is colder than most parts of southern Japan, the festival is always delayed by one month!

Outside of Takayama City, in the small town of "Ichi no Miya" sightseers will be able to see these dolls for themselves and if you happen to be a fan of Takayama's own "Hyoka" anime series, you will be glad to hear that various themed events will be taking place.


When is it?

3rd of April 2014 (All Day)


Where is it?

Hida Ichi no Miya, Garyuu Park

You can access this park via train from Takayama station by getting off at Hida Ichi no Miya Station. You should then take the back exit by using the overpass bridge and you will see the park on your right hand side.

Snow Activity Tour

Mont Deus Snow Activity Tour

Mont Deus is one of the largest snow parks in the area and its location is conveniently close to Takayama City. You can enjoy snow tubing, sledding and various other snow activities. This trip is fully instructed by an English speaking tour manager.

This year, iSite Takayama is providing a round trip service from Takayama to Mont Deus Snow Park for only 3,800 yen/pp (w/ 500 yen discount for J-Hoppers Guests)

Round trips to Mont Deus will be running morning and afternoon from January 1st until March 7th 2014, every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Rental snow boots & snow clothes are available to rent for 500 & 2,000 yen respectively.


Morning Trip:

Depart Takayama Station: 8:30 / Arrive Mont Deus Ski Area: 9:00
       (2 Hour Leisure Time)
Depart Ski Area: 11:00 / Arrive Takayama Station: 11:30~

Afternoon Trip:

Depart Takayama Station: 13:30 / Arrive Mont Deus Ski Area: 14:00
       (2 Hour Leisure Time)
Depart Ski Area: 16:00 / Arrive Takayama Station: 16:30~

(~) Arrival time back at Takayama Station is subject to change due to local weather conditions.

If you're interested in this tour or require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us directly via phone or email.

Notice: During Mid-January, temperatures in this area usually rise to a maximum of -2c and a minimum of -11c so please dress accordingly. (Snow boots are free to rent from J-Hoppers Takayama for staying guests)

Hyotenka no Mori Tour

Hyotenka no Mori 
(The Crystal Forest)

Hyotenka no Mori is an Ice Festival in a small onsen located south-eastwards in the upper outskirts of Takayama and due to the location and elevation it experiences continual freezing temperatures during the winter season.

The trees and scenery is coated in a thick, glossy layer of ice and is illuminated beautifully during the evening. It is a truly magical experience and well worth seeing! You can even try drinking from a cup made of ice if you're feeling daring enough!

This year, iSite Takayama is providing a return bus service w/ tour to Hyotenka no Mori for only 3,800 yen/pp (500 yen discount for J-Hoppers Guests)

This service will run from January 2nd until March 20th 2014. There will be a morning tour departing at 9:30am and an evening tour departing at 4:00pm every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday.

Morning Tour: 

Depart Takayama Station: 9:30 / Arrive Hyotenka no Mori: 10:30
       (1 Hour Free Time)
Depart Hyotenka no Mori  11:30 / Arrive Takayama Station: 12:30~

Evening Tour: 

Depart Takayama Station: 16:00 / Arrive Hyotenka no Mori: 17:00
       (1 Hour Free Time)  (Light-up)
Depart Hyotenka no Mori  18:00 / Arrive Takayama Station: 19:00~

(~) Arrival time back at Takayama Station is subject to change due to local weather conditions.

If you're interested in this tour or require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us directly via phone or email.

Notice: During Mid-January, temperatures in this area usually rise to a maximum of -1c and a minimum of -13c so please dress accordingly. (Snow boots are provided here at J-Hoppers for free or can be rented on the tour for 500 yen)

December @ Hida Folk Village

This December, Takayama's Hida Folk Village will be holding an array of events that you may want to visit!

Illuminations:

Hida Folk Village will be beautifully illuminated with various coloured lights.
It looks especially magical with the heavy snow cover.


When: From 21/12/13 until 25/12/13  (Christmas Light-Up)

From 11/01/14 until 28/02/14
(Winter Light-Up)
       
Everyday from 5:30pm until 9pm



Shimenawa Demonstration:

Shimenawa is a rice straw rope that is used for ritual purification that originates in Japan's Shinto religion. It is used to enclose areas that are deemed sacred with the purpose to ward off evil spirits and can often be seen at Shinto shrines and various sacred landmarks.

For 3 days each year, you can watch people making and setting up the Shimenawa.

When: from 06/12/13 until 08/12/13
          from 10am until 3pm


Okagami and Hanamochi Making:

Okagami and Hanamochi are traditional decorations made of rice cakes and used as a New Year's decoration for homes. You can watch the staff making them!

Where: Maeda Residence
When:

Sat 04/12/13 & Sun 05/12/13
from 10am until 3pm





Entrance Fee: Adult 700yen
                    Children 200yen
                    (Illumination Hours: 300yen)

Autumn Foliage in Takayama

Leaf peeping in Takayama!

It's that time of the year again, and the maple's crimson red leaves are starting to appear in Takayama City.

Due to the massive difference in elevation in and around Takayama, leaf peeping can be done anytime from the start of September in the mountains to the start of November in Takayama City.

Due to the warmer weather we had earlier this month, this year's colours will be about a week or two delayed.

Below lists this year's best viewing spots:

Hida Folk Village
Best Period: Late October - Middle of November
Elevation: ~689m
As of 20/10/2013:  Colourful!

Illumination Event from 18th October - 10th November
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
From 5:30pm until 10:00pm
Admission: 300 Yen


Shirakawa-go Village
Elevation: ~ 450m
Best Period:  Late October - Mid November
As of 20/10/2013: Starting!


Kamikochi 
Elevation: ~ 1,400m
Best Period: Early October - Late October
As of 20/10/2013: Finishing..

Shinhodaka Ropeway
Elevation: ~2,156m
Best Period: Late September - Late October
As of 20/10/2013: Finished..


Seseragi Road (Seseragi Kaido)
Elevation: ~700m-1,050m
Best Period: Mid October - Mid November
As of 20/10/2013: Starting!


Mount Norikura
Elevation: ~2,700m - 3,025m
Best Period: Mid September - Mid October
As of 20/10/2013: Finished..　(Snowy!)


Hirayu Onsen
Elevation: ~1,300m
Best Period: Early October - Late October
As of 20/10/2013:  Colourful!

October in Takayama

October Festivals & Events in Takayama

Every October, the Hida-Takayama area celebrates the coming of Autumn, the changing of the leaves' colors and the harvesting of crops with a many festivals and events.

(Time ordered list of events and schedules for October 2013)

Event: Nakabashi Bridge & Enako River Illumination
Where: 5 and 10 mins walk from J-Hoppers (Furumachi District Area)
When:
Everyday from October 'til the end of November (18:30 - 22:00)
Price: Free!

You can see the beautiful autumn colours illuminated during the night.


Event: Garakuta Antique Fair
Where:
Sanmachi Dori, on the right, 5 mins down the road from J-Hoppers.
When: 6th of October from 09:00 - 16:00

A famous Takayama Antique Fair that also sells various foods, arts and souvenirs


Event: Takayama Annual Autumn Festival
Where: Various places within Takayama City
When: 9th October (All day), 10th October (Morning & Afternoon)

The most famous festival in this part of Japan,
(further details can be found in the next blog)


Event: Hida Folk Village Autumn Illumination
Where: Hida Folk Village (30 mins walk or 5 mins by bus)
When:
Everyday from 18th October 'til the 10th November （17:30 - 21:00)
Price: Adult 300 Yen / Children 100 Yen


View the beautiful illuminated autumn colours together with traditional Japanese alpine style houses, you can also try some mushroom tea for free!

Hida Folk Village Illumination

Takayama's 
Hida Folk Village Obon Illumination


Date: 10th August - 15th August
Time: 18:30 - 21:00

Entrance Fee: 
Adults: 700 yen
Children 200 yen

From 18:00:  
Adults 300 yen
Children 100 yen 



What is..
Hida Folk Village? (飛騨の里, Hida no Sato)

Hida Folk village is an open air museum displaying original country and alpine style housing that was built during the early Edo period. This style of housing is called gassho-style as it is styled on praying hands. This style of house was created with a thick thatched roof to protect from the severe snowfalls that occur in this region during the winter.

What events are taking place?

In celebration of the Obon Festival, from the 10th until the 15th of August, Hida Folk Village will be illuminated with various colours during the evening.

The entrance fee to the village will reduced from 700 yen to 300 yen for adults and from 200 yen to 100 yen for children after 18:00

If you happen to be staying with us during this period, I recommend giving it a try as it will be absolutely beautiful.