If at all possible, we highly recommend that you attend the parades held in Takayama which take place in two stages: Sanno Matsuri in the spring Hachiman Matsuri in autumn. Failing that, pay a visit to Takayama Yatai Kaikan and admire four of the sumptuous floats (yatai) that take to the streets for the occasion. Their refined and varied ornamentation make them quite a spectacle all by themselves!