During summer, Takayama’s historic Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine comes alive with the gentle sounds of the Sakurayama Wind Chime Festival. Now a popular seasonal tradition in Hida Takayama, the festival began as a prayer to ward off misfortune during the pandemic and has since grown into a highlight of the region’s summer calendar.
Thousands of colorful wind chimes adorn the shrine, with their soft melodies helping to create a calming atmosphere. Visitors can stroll beneath the chimes, take in the floating flower displays in the chozuya, or even try their hand at wind chime painting experiences—a popular interactive feature for both children and adults.
Adding to the festive spirit, the shrine hosts a lively celebration featuring local food and drink booths, traditional music performances, and street entertainment.
For an extra layer of magic, the festival includes an after-dark illumination on select evenings. As dusk falls, the shrine grounds are softly lit, transforming the area into a dreamlike scene. Visitors can continue to enjoy painting wind chimes and experiencing the festival’s unique charm under the glow of lights.
For more information about the event, please visit the official website here.
