Guida
The Mino Matsuri is a traditional spring festival held every April in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. This event, which has continued since the Edo period, is held to pray for a bountiful harvest. The most striking feature is the vibrant decoration using Mino Washi (traditional Japanese paper). In particular, the 'Hana Mikoshi' (Flower Palanquin), which features approximately 300 bright pink Mino Washi flowers attached to its roof, is an iconic sight of this festival. Additionally, exquisite floats equipped with sophisticated mechanical puppets (karakuri) created from the Edo to Meiji eras appear, showcasing traditional craftsmanship amidst the historic streetscape.
This festival is a traditional ritual that has been preserved since the Edo period to pray for bountiness in crops. The 'Hana Mikoshi,' which utilizes the exquisite Mino Washi paper technique, is a cultural treasure with a history dating back to 1900. Furthermore, one of the climaxes of the festival, the 'Nagashi Niwaka,' is designated as a National Selected Intangible Folk Cultural Property, highlighting its immense regional cultural value. The traditional music (hayashi) and dances, passed down through generations of local youth, continue to preserve the history of Mino City today.
The highlights of the festival vary depending on the specific day. On Saturdays, the 'Hana Mikoshi,' decorated with beautiful hand-dyed Washi paper flowers, parades through the streets. On Sundays, the historical 'float displays' and 'processions' take center stage. The floats are diverse and unique, such as the 'Utsuboguruma' (featuring a dancing monkey face that changes expression), the 'Sanrinsha' (with a dancing shrine maiden puppet), and the 'Funashiko' (carrying Empress Jingu and Prince Takechi). The sight of people dressed as Momotaro, Urashima Taro, and the Hana-saka Jii (Old Man with the Flower) parading between the floats is another distinctive feature of this festival.
The Mino Matsuri is held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of April. Saturdays focus on the 'Hana Mikoshi,' while Sundays focus on the 'Floats and Processions.' From the evening of both days, the 'Nagashi Niwaka' begins. During the Nagashi Niwaka, participants parade through the town playing traditional music on flutes, drums, and small hand drums (kotsuzumi), performing at over a dozen designated locations. The atmosphere reaches its peak in the evening when the sounds of the music resonate through the historic streets under the twilight sky.
When watching the festival, look closely at the intricate details. Observe the mechanical movements of the 'karakuri' puppets, the textures of the Washi paper flowers, and the traditional costumes of the participants. This allows you to appreciate the high level of craftsmanship involved. During the Nagashi Niwaka, you can feel the energy of the community as the music and rhythmic movements bring the streets to life. These moments offer a profound understanding of Japan's traditional ritual culture.
The festival takes place around the 'Udatsu-agaru Townscape' and the Hachiman Shrine area in Mino City. This area is characterized by its beautiful scenery with historic architecture. Between festival events, you can stroll through these streets to touch the local history. There are also various spots nearby where you can experience the culture and history of Mino Washi paper.
As you will be moving outdoors and standing to watch the festivities, please wear comfortable clothing. Since the 'Nagashi Niwaka' takes place in the evening, it is highly recommended to bring a jacket for warmth and a light or flashlight if needed. Regarding payments, please prepare cash (Japanese Yen) for food stalls and local vendors. As this is a sacred ritual, please observe proper etiquette and ensure you do not obstruct the path of the procession or the shrine area.