Over 400 Years
Caution !
All Day
See
Chubu
The Furukawa Matsuri is the another name for the annual Spring festival of the Ketawakamiya Shrine in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. It is made up of two main events: the exciting clashing of half-naked men and drums called the Okoshi Daiko, and the gorgeous Yatai float procession.
At the Okoshi Daiko, local men wearing traditional white wraps called Sarashi gather by the hundreds. The main drum, a giant on a raised platform, is followed by smaller drums called Tsukedaiko representing different town boroughs which are rammed into each other as part of the festivities. To the local men of the Hida region, being one of the two drummers that straddle the giant drum is the biggest honor as a citizen and fills others with envy. These unyielding and courageous Hida Furukawa locals suited up in the festival attire are referred to as "Furukawa Yancha." The battle of offense and defense that unfolds at the Okoshi Daiko can often be dangerous. Come absorb yourself in this festival's passion and cheers.
On the next morning, as if it were a completely different festival, nine gorgeous festival Yatai floats are paraded around the town for an elegant and beautiful display of what could be the furthest thing from a physical battle. In 2016, the Furukawa Matsuri was listed as a Unesco intangible cultural asset. This festival, the pride of Hida Furukawa, is sure to stay passed on from generation to generation as a traditional culture of global value.
The Okoshi Daiko is a battle over position, by one giant drum and twelve smaller Tsuke Daiko drums representing the different boroughs of town that clash while following it. The Tsuke Daiko drums are tied to round logs that try to stay close behind the giant that rests upon a raised platform called Yagura. Keeping position right behind the main drum is seen as an honor. Tsuke drums ("tsuke" meaning to "stick to") shooting out from side streets and alleyways in a dash towards the best position are warded off by the giant drum defense team, filling the entire town streets in heated frenzy that goes on past midnight.
In the morning of the second day (20th), there is a gorgeous and extravagant float parade. There are nine yatai floats in total, made by the hand of Hida’s master craftsmen, that proceed in line throughout the streets of town for an overwhelming spectacle. Take your time inspecting the delicate carvings. Two of the floats feature performances by traditional mechanical puppets called Karakuri Ningyo. These puppets are powered not by electricity, but by strings and cogs. Come see the amazing performance of these elaborately designed figurines.
On one of the nine floats, there is a special Kabuki service performed by children. The play, Benkei and Ushiwakamaru. Benkei, the large man known for his strength, tries to steal the sword off of the young Ushiwakamaru who crosses his bridge one day. Benkei, however, is at the mercy of the light and nimble Ushiwakamaru who swiftly dodges all attempts. Benkei admits defeat and vows his loyalty to Ushiwakamaru. The child Kabuki play is based on this famous Japanese story. You really must the talent of these bold child actors.
https://www.hida-kankou.jp/kanko/foreign/en
(English, Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean)
Since there are many people during the Okoshi Daiko, please be careful not to be pushed into danger, for example ditches along the road.
Access to Hida City
[Nearest Station]
Hida-Furukawa Station on the JR Takayama Main Line
Venue
Hida City, Furukawacho, town streets
14-5 Ichinomachi (Hida Furukawa Matsuri Kaikan Building)
5min walk from JR Hida-Furukawa Station
