Takayama is a town in Gifu Prefecture, in the middle of the Japanese Alps. It’s claim to fame is its sake and its elaborate autumn and spring festivals. On my trip to Japan in 2006 I was lucky enough to visit during the autumn festival. The streets were filled with vendors of all kinds, but the food stalls were of the most interest to me!

This one is making red bean or custard filled little buns.

Charcoal grilled freshwater fish.

Traditional paper dolls.

But the main attraction at night were the giant floats that were hauled through the streets.

Later on we’ll be studying them close up in daylight.