One of Japan's great festivals, the Takayama Matsuri is in two parts. On 14 and 15 April there's the Sannō Matsuri, when a dozen decorated yatai (floats) are paraded through the town. Hachiman Matsuri, on 9 and 10 October, is a slightly smaller version.
In the evenings, the floats, with their carvings, dolls, colorful curtains and blinds, are decked out with lanterns and the procession is accompanied by sacred music.
