Over 100 Years
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Chubu
The Inuyama Matsuri is a 300 year old festival that presents an offering of "Karakuri" to the deity of Haritsuna Shrine. The Karakuri in the Inuyama Matsuri refers to a set of puppets featuring a complicated contraption, or "trick," made possible with strings, that allows the puppets to dance and act gorgeously. There are Karakuri puppets on each of the thirteen giant floats—some reaching up to 8 meters—that parade along side the beautiful local Cherry Blossom (Sakura) trees in full bloom.
At night, the floats all turn on 365 Chochin lanterns at the same time and parade the town. Distinctly different from the afternoon parade, this one offers a splendid and glamorous view of a glowing flow of countless intertwining lights. As of 2016, the floats of Inuyama Matsuri have been listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Floats at this festival include puppets, or "Ningyo," called Karakuri Ningyo. They are very traditional and are controlled by hand.
The puppeteers climb inside the floats and elaborately maneuver the puppets in a splendid dance to the festive music provided by flutes and drums. The movements and acting of the puppets during the climax are so mesmerizing you might not be able to keep from cheering with the rest of the audience.
The "Donden" is what the locals call it when the whole crew of men driving the five ton float lift it up off the ground to change directions. The squeaking wood of the float, the waving lanterns, the flying cheers. You will not want to miss this powerful and satisfying moment!
Be cautious around the floats.
Access to Inuyama City
[Nearest Station]
Inuyama Station, Meitetsu Inuyama Line
Venue
Areas surrounding the Inuyama Castle
Address: Kitakoken, Inuyama, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture
20min walk from the West exit of Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu Line to the main venue square at the Inuyama Castle.
