Takayama Yatai Kaikan

The huge, majestic and ornate floats used in the Takayama Festival are stored away for the rest of the year and at any one time, four of the 11 floats can be seen at the Takayama Yatai Kaikan. The actual floats on display change throughout the year so that visitors can see the entire collection.

Some of the floats date back to the 17th Century and are decorated with intricate carvings of gilded wood, and detailed metal-work, rich design, similar in style to art from Kyoto during the Momoyama period, and blended with elements from the early Edo period. Detailed carving, lacquering and beautiful decorative metal-works is found not only on the outside of the floats, but inside as well, under the roof and behind the panels, where the work is amazingly detailed.

The Yatai Kaikan is located in the northern end of Takayama’s old town, a 15-20 minute walk from the station. It is open is from 08:30 to 17:00 from March to November and from 09:00 to 16:30 from December to February.

Admission is 840 yen.