Takasaki Festival

Though a relatively new festival when compared to ancient festivals that span hundreds of years, the Takasaki Festival is just as memorable.  Even though the Takasaki Festival began in 1985, it had a few predecessors before becoming the festival we know today.  

From castle town to city

While Takasaki itself existed before it was officially established as a city in 1900, it was known as a castle town.  Before the Meiji Restoration, city lines looked very different.  While some of the names have changed, some areas remain the same, just with the status of ‘city’.  Instead of cities, towns and districts were classified based on their uses.  For example, castle towns (城下町), port towns (港町), post towns (宿場町), merchant districts (商家町), etc.  This classification ended with the start of the Meiji Restoration in 1868. 

From 1868 onwards, the nation as a whole underwent several changes that embraced some Western influences.  One of those Western influences was the classification of ‘city’ that came into effect in 1888 with the passing of the “City System and Town and Village System Law”, shisei chosonsei.  As a result, Takasaki officially became a city on April 1, 1900.  

Celebrations 

Before the Meiji Restoration began in 1868, Takasaki, the castle town, had a major festival called the Festival of Yorimasa Shrine.  The festival honored the Okouchi family, the former lords of the Takasaki domain.  The same year that the Restoration began, the Okouchi family moved to Tokyo, and the festival declined.  The ‘big festival’ became the Dōsojin Festival that was held during the Little New Year, between January 14th and 16th. 

Between 1939 and 1985, many festivals and events were held, canceled, or postponed, with or without the city’s support.  However, the term ‘Takasaki Festival’ was used for the first time in 1955.  It was used as a name for the special edition of the Takasaki Dedication Festival held in October.  According to Takasaki Web News, the festival commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Takasaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  It also celebrated “the merger of the five villages of Shin-Takao, Nakagawa, Nagano, Yawata, and Toyooka” (Takasaki Web News).  

With each festival and commemoration, pieces of the Takasaki Festival came together: the floats, the fireworks, and the famous Daruma.  Eventually, the Takasaki Festival we know today was established in 1985.  “To commemorate the 85th anniversary of the city's founding, the festival was renamed "Takasaki Matsuri," and the city began participating in the festival. However, in order to carry on the legacy of the "Takasaki Furusato Matsuri," it was held as the ‘11th Takasaki Matsuri’” (Takasaki Festival Executive Committee).  What truly sets this festival apart is that it isn’t held for religious purposes.  It’s held for citizens to participate in or simply enjoy. 

The 52nd Takasaki Festival

“The festival features a spectacular display of floats, portable shrines, and fireworks, as well as unique attractions not found in other festivals, such as the giant Daruma portable shrine and creative Daruma portable shrines” (Takasaki Festival Executive Committee).  This two-day festival runs from August 22nd to August 23rd, starting at 12 PM each day.    

August 22nd	12:00 pm	10:00 pm
August 23rd	12:00 pm	9:00 pm

The following information comes from the official Takasaki Festival Executive Committee through the official website.)  

• If you are using a paid parking lot within the restricted area, please enter and exit outside of the restricted hours.

• On the day of the festival, the use of drones, firecrackers, and other similar devices is prohibited within the venue.

• Please dismount and walk your bicycle inside the venue.

• Please take your trash home with you.

• Customers with children are requested to keep a close eye on them.

• Please be aware that temporary traffic restrictions may occur due to the parade of floats.

• Please take precautions against heatstroke, avoid overexertion, and replenish fluids and electrolytes frequently.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Aramachi Intersection (あら町交差点), though it will be canceled in the event of rain.  If you’re in the Gunma area and looking for something fun to do, the Takasaki Festival is sure to leave a lasting impression.  So, grab your yukata, some friends, and have a great time. 🎆

 Takasaki Festival