About this event
The Shinminato Hikiyama Festival is an event overflowing with tradition and spirit, tracing its history back to the Edo period. Held as part of the autumn rites of Hojozu Hachiman Shrine, 13 ornate float carriages (hikiyama) parade through the streets. During the daytime, they parade splendidly as 'Flower Floats' (Hanayama) decorated with red, white, and yellow artificial flowers; in the evening, the flower canopies are removed and transformed into 'Lantern Floats' (Chochin-yama) covered with around 250 lanterns. Visitors can enjoy strikingly different, magical sights between day and night. The floats are maintained through the superb craftsmanship of Hojozu Hachiman Shrine master carpenters and regional artisans, making them truly moving works of art. Musicians aboard the floats play flute, drums, and gongs performing 'Hikiyama Hayashi' during the procession, with distinct melodies passed down in each town. During the spirited turnings at street corners (kado-mawashi), the floats turn dynamically accompanied by energetic shouts to the tune of 'Ieasaka' (Kenka Hayashi). The order of the floats in the procession is determined by the 'Kujitori-shiki' lottery ceremony dating back to the Edo period. In December 2025, the 'Hojozu Hachiman Shrine Hikiyama and Tsukiyama Events' was additionally registered under the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan'.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Shinminato Hikiyama Festival
2-10-30 Honmachi, Imizu, Toyama 934-0011
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