Miyagawa mkt & Takayama Festival Floats.

The Miyagawa morning market happens every morning. There are many stalls along the riverside with shops on the other side of the narrow street.

The stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, local craft and local products.

The Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall houses floats from the Takayama Festival which dates back to the 16th century.

There are two festivals each year - the Spring festival (April 14th and 15th) in which 12 floats take part and the Autumn festival (October 9th and 10th) which features 11 floats. The floats are pulled through the town streets.

Many of the Yatai (floats) date from the 17th century and are decorated with complicated carvings, gilded wood and detailed metalwork. This detailed work is also found inside the floats.

Four floats are on display at a time with the display changed three times a year.

As we exited, a crane flew down and eyed off some carp. The larger fish appeared to 'herd' the smaller fish out of danger.Read more