Event Introduction
Harima, part of present-day Hyogo Prefecture, was once called Harima no Kuni (Harima country) or Banshu (planting state). Since ancient times, this region (which includes present-day Takasago) has been known for its fall festivals, in which floats (yatai) are central to the celebrations.
While the floats are made in various shapes and sizes, depending on the area, they tend to be heavy, sometimes weighing more than 2,000 kilograms. Several hundred people carry the yatai around the areas they visit, calling at important places such as local shrines.
Townspeople take enormous pride in their yatai, and many people spend more time at the fall festival than they do at festivals marking Obon (the annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors) or the New Year. The enthusiasm with which local people take part makes Takasago’s fall festivals popular with visitors, too.