Furukawa Festival’s “Rousing Drum” and Floats
The Furukawa Festival held annually from the evening of April 19th till midday of the 20th. It is the festival of Ketawakamiya Shrine in Furukawa-cho, Hida City, and is said to have begun in 1685. The festival has three parts; first of a procession of portable shrines called “Mikoshi” wind their way around the suburbs, then a huge Rousing Drum called “Okoshi-Daiko” at night signals the start of the festival and awakens the very soul. Finally, nine elaborately decorated floats or “Yatai” make their way slowly through the town in the morning sunshine. The festival is designated as an important intangible cultural asset.
Date: 19th & 20th April
Location: Furukawa-cho, Hida City
Access: about 5 minute walk from JR Hida Furukawa Station