Every April, the quiet castle town of Inuyama bursts into life with one of Japan’s most spectacular spring festivals: the Inuyama Festival (犬山祭).
Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival combines towering floats, ancient music, paper lanterns, and pure local spirit — all under the watchful gaze of historic Inuyama Castle.
🌟 Highlights of the Inuyama Festival
🎡 Stunning 3-Story Festival Floats (Yama)
- Watch as 13 beautifully crafted floats, each up to 8 meters tall, roll through the streets of Inuyama’s old town.
- These floats are adorned with intricate carvings, gold detailing, and even mechanical puppets (karakuri) that perform during the parade.
🕯️ Nighttime Lantern Illumination
- As the sun sets, over 3,000 paper lanterns are lit on the floats, transforming the streets into a glowing sea of light and shadows.
- This is the most photogenic and enchanting moment — don’t miss it!
🎼 Traditional Music and Dance
- Enjoy live performances of Edo-period festival music (hayashi) played on drums and flutes.
- Performers, including children in kimono, ride on the floats and bring the festival to life with rhythm and energy.
👘 Local Culture and Street Food
- Locals and visitors alike wear yukata or happi coats, adding to the festive vibe.
- Enjoy delicious street food like yakitori, taiyaki, and karaage while exploring the stalls.
📍 When and Where
- 🗓️ Date: First weekend of April (Saturday & Sunday)
- 📍 Location: Inuyama Castle Town area (5–10 min walk from Inuyama Station)
- 🕒 Best time to visit: Daytime for parades, evening for lantern floats
📸 Instagram Tips
- Best shot: Float glowing with lanterns at night, with Inuyama Castle in the background.
- Try capturing karakuri puppet movements or local children in traditional dress.
🌸 Combine with Other Attractions
- Visit Inuyama Castle, Sanko Inari Shrine, and Urakuen Garden while you’re in town.
- Make a full-day cultural experience in one of Japan’s best-preserved castle towns.
🎯 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Inuyama Festival is not just a local celebration — it’s a living museum of Japanese tradition.
From the craftsmanship of the floats to the communal energy in the air, this event offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Japan’s festivals.
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