Each spring, the city of Takayama comes alive during the renowned Spring Takayama Festival (Sanno Matsuri), one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional festivals.
Held annually in April around the historic Hie Shrine, the festival features elaborately crafted yatai festival floats, traditional music, lantern processions, and centuries-old cultural performances that transform Takayama’s preserved historic district into a living expression of Japanese heritage.
The 2026 Spring Takayama Festival once again welcomed visitors from across Japan and around the world to experience the city’s remarkable traditions and craftsmanship. Several of the festival floats include intricate karakuri mechanical puppets — examples of the extraordinary woodworking and artisan traditions for which the Hida region is famous.
The festival reflects many of the values that continue to define the Denver–Takayama sister city relationship:
- preservation of cultural heritage
- community participation
- intergenerational tradition
- craftsmanship and artistry
- celebration of place and identity
For many Denver visitors and exchange participants, the Takayama Matsuri becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their connection to Japan.
Learn more about the Spring Takayama Festival:
Read additional festival information from Japan National Tourism resources:
