Hida Furukawa Matsuri (Part 1)

Held each year during a three day period with its peak on April 19th and 20th, the Hida Furukawa Matsuri is not only a national treasure since it has been designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government, but also an amazing festival strong in color taking place as early as 7 am and up to very late at night around 2 to 3 am.

What is unique here is not only the fact that this festival is divided into two different parts, but it is also one of Japan’s few festivals known for its intense tradition that often turns into involuntary accidents due to its own nature. During the first day, known as the Okoshi Daiko, men overflowing with emotion and energy parade around the streets with drums mounted on poles, announcing the start of the festival.

Through the early start of Okoshi Daiko, men display their skills and agility by performing Tombo, or the dragonfly dance, where they fly and dance on top of poles. Then at night, every faction of Hida Furukawa gathers in the center of the city for a fight where the goal is for each faction to stay as close as possible to the main taiko drum mounted on a float carried by close to one hundred people.

Finally, we would like to give special thanks to all the men of the Tonomachi faction of Hida Furukawa for having us as special guests during the festival and helping us make this video possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!