Nagahama Hikiyama Museum

Nagahama Hikiyama Museum (曳山博物館) provides an extraordinary opportunity to explore the deep cultural significance of Nagahama's Hikiyama Festival, celebrated every April. The museum showcases the stunning hikiyama floats, elaborate mobile stages that stand 6 to 9 meters tall and weigh between 5 and 6 metric tons. Adorned with intricate details like gold leaf, crimson lacquer, and ornate metalwork, these floats are a true testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the region. Visitors can admire the floats year-round in the museum's glass-walled bays, with certified regional interpreter guides offering a rare chance to see these magnificent creations up close and learn about their rich history.

During the Hikiyama Festival, these floats are pulled through the streets of Nagahama by teams of about 40 people, while child actors perform Kabuki plays at each stop along the way. The museum provides further insight into this tradition, displaying video recordings of past Kabuki performances on the second floor. Visitors can also view images of the embroidered curtains that hang from each hikiyama, adding another layer to the cultural display. Whether you're passionate about history or captivated by Japanese traditions, the Nagahama Hikiyama Museum offers a unique and immersive cultural experience that highlights the region's artistic and theatrical heritage.