Overview

Takayama’s Cultural Legacy: Miya-Daiku Art and Iconic Festival Floats
Nestled in the heart of Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is a city where tradition thrives, renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, vibrant festivals, and exceptional craftsmanship. Among its most celebrated cultural treasures is the ancient art of Miya-Daiku (temple carpentry), a unique craft deeply embedded in Takayama’s heritage. This traditional artistry plays a crucial role in preserving historical architecture and is intricately tied to the city’s iconic Takayama Festival. Celebrated in spring (Sanno Festival) and autumn (Hachiman Festival), the Takayama Festival features elaborately decorated festival floats, known as yatai, which stand as a testament to the unparalleled skill and artistry of Miya-Daiku. While many visitors come to Takayama as part of a tour of Shirakawa-go and Takayama, few take the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional craftsmanship—a perfect activity for those staying overnight and looking to explore beyond the beaten track.

The Role of Miya-Daiku and Master Carpenter Hachino
Miya-Daiku are specialized carpenters who construct and restore temples, shrines, and other significant wooden structures. Their work is not only a technical craft but also a vital cultural practice that preserves Japan’s heritage. Among Takayama’s renowned Miya-Daiku, Hachino Carpentry stands out as a leading figure. Despite being relatively young, Mr.Yasuaki Hachino has gained national recognition for his expertise in restoring cultural treasures, including national heritage sites and festival floats.
Hachino’s craftsmanship is particularly evident in the maintenance and restoration of Takayama Festival’s yatai. These floats, considered moving works of art, require precision and deep knowledge of traditional carpentry. Hachino’s contributions ensure that these intricate structures retain their beauty and functionality, enabling them to be showcased year after year during the festival. Some notable yatai featuring his work include the “Kaguratai” and “Konkotai” from the spring Sanno Festival and the “Kinpōtai” from the autumn Hachiman Festival.

The Importance of Miya-Daiku and Takayama Festival
The Takayama Festival yatai are more than mere tourist attractions; they are cultural artifacts that embody the region’s spiritual beliefs, history, and artistic excellence. The role of Miya-Daiku, especially craftsmen like Hachino, is indispensable in preserving these treasures. Their work reflects a harmonious blend of technical skill and cultural preservation, ensuring that the floats remain a source of pride for Takayama’s residents and a point of fascination for visitors from around the world.
Miya-Daiku culture extends beyond historical preservation. It serves as a bridge between Japan’s past and present, inspiring new generations of craftsmen and influencing contemporary architectural and artistic projects. Master Carpenter Hachino, for instance, combines traditional techniques with modern collaborations, pushing the boundaries of Miya-Daiku while staying true to its roots. Such efforts not only preserve tradition but also introduce it to an international audience, enhancing the cultural value of Takayama’s craftsmanship.

About The Experience
This exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to explore Takayama's renowned Miya-Daiku (temple carpentry) culture. You will visit the workshop of Hachino Carpentry. As few visitors ever have the privilege of entering his workshop or speaking directly with him, this experience provides a unique insight into the traditions and technical mastery of Miya-Daiku. During the visit, Mr.Hachino will share fascinating stories about the history, techniques, and spiritual aspects of Miya-Daiku, as well as the important role it plays in preserving Takayama’s architectural heritage. From his story, you will have deeper understandings on how the Japanese carpentry has been blended in our tradition, culture and our daily life. He is happy to answer any of your questions, so feel free to ask through the guide if you have any.
Afterward, you will have the chance to try your hand at a traditional craft—making your own chopsticks using tools actually used by Mr.Hachino. You'll be able to bring your handcrafted chopsticks home with you - the perfect souvenir of your trip. This hands-on activity offers a deeper understanding of the delicate artistry behind the craft, connecting you to the ancient traditions that continue to shape the cultural landscape of Takayama. This is a rare and invaluable experience that provides a true glimpse into Japan’s cultural heart.

About Mr.Yasuaki Hachino
Profile：
After graduating from the architectural department of Takayama Technical High School, he spent approximately eight years honing his skills in Saitama. At the age of 26, he returned to Takayama to take over his father’s traditional carpentry business, Hachino Carpentry, specializing in shrine and temple construction. In addition to dismantling, assembling, and restoring Takayama’s festival floats, he handles numerous requests from other prefectures for repairs and construction of shrines and temples. He is also entrusted with the restoration of national treasures and important cultural properties.

Comment：
"Whether I am working on a temple or a festival float, all timbers being used are big and bulky. When we carpenters need to use extremely large timbers, we often feel overwhelmed. We have to remain strong in order not to be intimidated by the size of the timbers. Temples and festival floats are important cultural assets, so there is no room for error. Techniques are important, but I believe our mental strength is more important. Our job requires mental and physical strength and sophisticated techniques. After working in various locations throughout Japan, I have accumulated valuable experience and have learned a lot. I have an image of the finished work in my mind when I begin each project. My goal is to make sure that Hachino Carpentry continues to undertake important jobs, such as building and repairing cultural assets, and endeavors to create masterpieces which will last for many centuries. I also believe that it is our role to pass our skills on from generation to generation without interruption."

Festival Floats Worked on by Hachino Carpentry:
Spring Sanno Festival: Kaguratai (神楽台), Konkoutai (崑崗台), Seiryutai (青龍台), among others.
Autumn Hachiman Festival: Kinpoutai (金鳳台), Daihatchitai (大八台), among others.

About Takayama Festival
The Takayama Festival refers collectively to two festivals: the "Sanno Matsuri," the annual festival of Hie Shrine held every spring (April 14–15), and the "Hachiman Matsuri," the annual festival of Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine held every autumn (October 9–10). Boasting a history of over 300 years, the Takayama Matsuri and its festival floats have been designated as both a "National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property" and a "National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property" in Japan. The Mountain, Halberd, and Festival Float　events in Japan, including the Takayama Festival Float Procession, are registered as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

【 Cancellation Policy 】
30 days prior: No charge
15-29 days prior: 30% of full payment
7-14 days prior: 50% of full payment
1-6 days prior: 70% of full payment
On the activity day or No Show: 100% of full payment