Inuyama City: The “Little Kyoto” of Owari
Located in the northwest of Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama City is known as the “Little Kyoto of Owari.”
In this historically rich city, you can visit two national treasures. The first is “Inuyama Castle,” which stands proudly on a hill and has a history of over 470 years. From the castle’s keep, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Additionally, Inuyama Castle Town offers a delightful food-walking experience, so be sure to stroll through this charming area and sample local delicacies when visiting Inuyama Castle.
The second treasure is the tea room “Joan,” located within the Japanese garden “Urakuen.” The garden also houses the important cultural property “Former Seiden-in Shoin.” Strolling through this serene garden will surely allow you to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Source: Inuyama Tourism Association Website
Head to the Inuyama Festival!
Location: Entire Inuyama Castle Town
Date: The first Saturday and Sunday of April every year
Access: A short walk from the west exit of Meitetsu “Inuyama Station” (about 20 minutes to the main venue, Inuyama Castle Square)
URL: https://inuyama.gr.jp/festival.html (Inuyama Tourism Association Website)
The Inuyama Festival is a celebration at Haritsuna Shrine that attracts around 500,000 visitors each year. This traditional festival features magnificent floats called “yama” and has been a cherished event for over 380 years since the Edo period. It is registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The origins of the Inuyama Festival date back to Kan’ei 12 (1635), when the Shimohommachi district contributed a horse float and the Sakana-ya district participated with a parade as part of the shrine festival.
The Inuyama Festival spans two days, with the first day known as “Shingakusai” (trial festival) and the second day as “Hongakusai” (main festival).
Thirteen decorated floats, each adorned with 365 lanterns and known as “yama,” are paraded through the castle town, accompanied by lively festival music. During the festival, the entire castle town is enveloped in an atmosphere that feels like a journey back to the Edo period.
Source: Inuyama Tourism Association Website
Highlights of the Inuyama Festival
The most notable feature of the Inuyama Festival is the “yama” floats.
Each yama is a three-tiered structure, consisting of “Uwayama” (upper tier), “Nakayama” (middle tier), and “Shimoyama” (lower tier), standing 8 meters tall and adorned with 365 lanterns, creating an impressive sight.
The first highlight is the “karakuri” (mechanical puppet performance). The top tier of the yama features karakuri that perform to the accompaniment of traditional festival music. All karakuri are operated manually, and the techniques have been handed down since the Edo period. This is a unique spectacle rarely seen elsewhere.
Source: Travel.jp
The second highlight is the “donden” (turning of the floats). This refers to the maneuver of changing the direction of the heavy floats, which can weigh up to 5 tons. The sight of the men lifting and turning the floats with their powerful efforts is truly impressive.
The third highlight is the “Yoyama” (night float parade). At night, the yama are illuminated by the 365 lanterns, creating a magical and ethereal glow that enhances their grandeur.
Source: Inuyama Tourism Association Website
The Combination of Night Cherry Blossoms and Floats Adds to the Elegance
The yama floats and the festival have been lovingly preserved since the Edo period. During the festival, cherry blossoms are also in bloom, adding an extra layer of beauty both during the day and as illuminated night blossoms, enriching the Inuyama Festival. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy both tradition and cherry blossoms in one event. Don’t miss the chance to visit!
Featured Image: Courtesy of Inuyama Marriage
(Editor: 千八乃)
