Guide
The Tarui Hikiyama Matsuri is an annual ritual held at Yaegaki Jinja, the guardian shrine of Tarui Town in Gifu Prefecture. Its origins date back to the Nanboku-cho period, when villagers created decorated floats to offer prayers and comfort. Today, the festival is a deeply rooted local tradition featuring three magnificent "Hikiyama" (ornate floats) that parade through the town.
The main draw of this festival is the combination of the historically significant Hikiyama floats and the captivating "Kodomo Kabuki" (Children's Kabuki) performed upon them. The floats are characterized by their beautiful lacquer finishes, intricate carvings, and elegant metal ornaments, typical of the Nagahama-style. These floats are officially designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Gifu Prefecture.
Specifically, the Kabuki performances by elementary school students are a rare and precious form of "amateur Kabuki" preserved in Japan. Watching the children perform traditional arts with such dedication and passion is a truly moving experience. You can enjoy the unique character of each of the three floats—Panrin-kaku, Shiun-kaku, and Hōō-san—as they carry their respective sacred offerings.
The festival takes place annually over three days, from May 2 to May 4. During this period, there are six performances held daily on the floats, allowing visitors to enjoy the spirited performances between 11:00 and 22:00.
The festivities are centered around Yaegaki Jinja in Tarui Town, Gifu Prefecture.
The Hikiyama floats are incredibly ornate; seeing the fine craftsmanship up close is a breathtaking experience. The Children's Kabuki is a cherished tradition that the local students practice for weeks to prepare. While there are six scheduled performances per day, we recommend checking local signage or the official website for the specific daily performance times.
As this is an outdoor event, please dress comfortably for the weather. We recommend wearing walking shoes to enjoy the festivities around the shrine area.