Takayama is famous for its two festivals:
Even though the festivals' origin is unknown, it is said that they were first celebrated between 1586 and 1692 when the Kanamori family governed the Hida Takayama area. The spring festival is associated with Hie Shrine æ¥æç¥ç¤¾ and the autumn with Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine æ¡å±±å «å¹¡å®®. Both are much alike and feature a parade of large floats å±å° yatai decorated with thick curtains, lacquer ware, and mechanical dolls karakuri. Twelve floats appear in the spring festival and eleven in autumn. The procession carrying the portable shrine mikoshi is unique to the autumn. During both festivals, this usually quiet town is lively filled with visitors, so it is best to book accommodation and tickets early.