Guida
The Hikiyama Museum, located in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, is a facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the culture and history of the 400-year-old 'Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.' The museum's greatest highlight is the opportunity to view the magnificent and luxurious 'Hikiyama' (festival floats) up close. These floats are the culmination of craftsmanship passed down since the Edo period. Visitors can witness the intricate decorations and the rich culture built by the townspeople of Nagahama, including the unique experience of viewing the only 'Hikiyama Repair Dock' in Japan.
The culture of the Nagahama Hikiyama dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period. It is said to have begun when the townspeople celebrated the birth of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the lord of Nagahama Castle, by offering gold dust. During the Edo period, various groups competed to create the most exquisitely decorated floats, making them a source of great pride for the local citizens. A particularly significant cultural aspect is the 'Children's Kabuki,' where boys aged 5 to 12 perform on the elaborate stages, symbolizing the enduring traditions of the region.
The museum features several diverse exhibition areas. On the first floor, the 'Hikiyama Exhibition Room' houses four actual floats, with two being rotated every three months to provide variety. A unique feature is the 'Repair Dock,' where visitors can look through a viewing window on the second floor to see skilled craftsmen performing maintenance work. The second floor also contains a 'Video Exhibition Room,' where footage of the iconic Children's Kabuki is constantly playing, allowing you to feel the energy of the festival. Additionally, the museum holds rich historical materials, such as ceramic panels of 'Mio-okuri Maku' (curtains) collected from around the world, models of Nagahama townhouses, and works by Edo-period artisans.
The museum's exhibitions and float schedules change according to the season. For example, in April, a special exhibition features the four floats: 'Kasugayama,' 'Gekkyuden,' 'Kansuiyama,' and 'Seikaizan.' Different combinations are displayed from late July to mid-October. Because the exhibition content and the specific floats on display vary by season, each visit offers a different perspective of the festival's beauty. During bright daylight hours, you can enjoy more active experiences, such as using the AR photo frames or exploring the stage models.
Beyond passive viewing, the museum offers several interactive contents. On the first floor, there is a 'Stage Model' built to the same scale as a real float. By removing your shoes and stepping onto it, you can truly experience the scale and height of the festival stage. Furthermore, near the main entrance, there is an 'AR Photo Corner.' By using a smartphone app, you can take commemorative photos with digital characters representing the young Kabuki performers. These features are designed to help visitors learn history through visual and physical engagement.
The area surrounding the museum retains the historical atmosphere of old Nagahama. Walking through the streets lined with traditional townhouses allows you to feel how the culture learned at the museum is deeply rooted in the daily life of the city. We recommend exploring the historic streets in conjunction with your museum visit for a deeper understanding of the local heritage.
The museum provides a comfortable environment for viewing the exhibits. There are no strict dress codes, but since you will need to remove your shoes to step onto the stage model, wearing easy-to-remove footwear is recommended. Please respect the exhibits and follow local rules regarding photography. The facility also includes rest areas and meeting rooms equipped with whiteboards (available for a fee).