Takayama Matsuri 高山祭
Mountain town festival (14 & 15 April; 9 & 10 Oct)
Rated one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals, this spectacular festival is held twice yearly in spring (14 & 15 April) and autumn (9 & 10 Oct) in the old mountain town of Takayama. Both versions are extremely popular and attract large numbers of visitors, so book accommodation early as the supply is limited.
There are parades through the streets of impressive floats (yatai) that are lit with lanterns, plus lively dancing. During the year, the tall, decorated yatai are kept in open storehouses around Takayama's old town and can be viewed by the public.