🎎 Inuyama Festival犬山祭

The Inuyama Festival is a celebration that has been continued by the Haritsuna Shrine since 1635. Thirteen floats, equipped with mechanized puppets inherited from the Edo period, parade through the streets of Inuyama Castle Town in spring, showcasing puppet performances. This traditional festival is registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan under the name "Inuyama Matsuri Yama Shakujō." Every year, on the first Saturday and Sunday of April, the "Inuyama Matsuri" is held for two days, with the highlight being the luxurious and splendid three-tiered floats. All thirteen floats are designated as valuable assets of Aichi Prefecture's tangible folk cultural properties, and the mechanized puppets that dance in sync with the sounds of flutes and drums are not to be missed. Additionally, the impressive "O-Mawari," where floats weighing over 3 tons are lifted and turned in one motion, is a thrilling spectacle! During the day, visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom around Inuyama Castle Town, creating a picturesque landscape with the floats. At night, the sight of each float illuminated by 365 lanterns is dreamlike and enchanting. In 2016, including the "Inuyama Matsuri," a total of 33 "Yama, Hoko, Yatai Festivals" were registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

The Shinagawa Shrine holds a festival on the first Saturday and Sunday of April each year. It has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan under the "Inuyama Festival Float Events." The floats, equipped with Edo period mechanical puppets, parade through the castle town, promising an exciting spectacle. The impressive display of turning a float weighing over 3 tons in one go is truly remarkable. At night, 365 lanterns are lit, creating a dreamlike scene that feels completely different from the daytime.