Takayama Autumn Festival (Hachiman Matsuri) 2026 Confirmed

秋の高山祭（八幡祭） — Takayama, Gifu (Tokai)

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The autumn Takayama Festival is the festival of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in the north of Takayama's old town, held every October 9–10. Ornate festival floats (yatai), some carrying mechanical karakuri puppets, are brought out and displayed around the shrine, and the town fills for two days — one of the most celebrated float festivals in Japan.

Background

Takayama holds two festivals a year: the spring Sanno Festival in April and this autumn Hachiman Festival in October. Both belong to the float-festival tradition that UNESCO recognises as Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals.

Getting there

Takayama Station (JR Takayama Main Line) is about 2 h 20 min by limited express from Nagoya; Sakurayama Hachimangu is about 20 min walk from the station through the old town.

Tips

• The dates are fixed: October 9 and 10 every year. In 2026 they fall on a Friday and Saturday.
• Takayama's hotels fill up months ahead for festival days — book early or stay in a nearby town and come in by train.
• Takayama's official tourism site publishes the 2026 schedule, venues and parking information; check it before you go, as float displays can change in rain.

Last verified against the official source: Sat, September 26, 2026