Hikiyama Festival

April 13 – 16

The Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, recognized as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage alongside 32 other float festivals in Japan like the Gion Festival in Kyoto, has a rich historical backdrop. Originating from the joyous birth of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s son, a revered daimyo lord in the Japanese medieval era and once the ruler of Nagahama Castle, the festival’s roots lie in Hideyoshi’s generous gifting of gold to the townspeople. Using this gold, twelve neighborhoods of the town constructed floats, initially paraded around Hachiman Shrine to honor Hideyoshi and his son. In the mid-Edo period (18th century), neighborhood rivalry fueled the modification and enhancement of the floats. Most of the existing floats date back to this era, boasting dimensions of about 3 meters in width, 7 meters in depth, and 7 meters in height.

These floats feature a distinct architectural style with a performance stage, backstage dressing rooms, and an upper pavilion. Each year, four floats rotate alongside the Naginata Float, distinguished by its absence of a stage and unique function. The festival runs annually from April 9th to the 17th. It kicks off with the incense-setting ceremony on April 9th, swiftly followed by the exhilarating four-day Hadaka Matsuri (naked festival) performed by daring young men. Subsequently, the Yakusha Yuwatori unfolds on the 14th, showcasing child actors parading through the streets in various character roles. A main festival highlight, the Children’s Kabuki, showcases boys aged around 5 to 12, delivering exceptional performances that earn applause and admiration from spectators. This captivating event takes place in the evening of the 13th, morning of the 14th, and throughout the 15th and 16th. Additionally, the night of the 15th reveals a breathtaking spectacle as four illuminated floats convene at the Otabisho (temporary resting place for the deity). The climax unfolds with the carrying of a portable shrine amid this enchanting setting.