Hida-Furukawa (Hida City, Gifu Pref.)

Walk along streets lined with traditional Japanese white-walled storehouses built along the edge of the Seto River, where carps swim leisurely in its currents. There, you will find clear evidence of the fine spirit of local residents who have continued to cherish and safeguard their traditions.

The history and tools underlying the traditional crafts that comprise the artisan culture of Hida are exhibited here. The building, built by contemporary Hida artisans, incorporates timberwork, sculptures, and a host of other innovations in every corner and is worth examining for this reason alone.

The Furukawa Festival is held over the course of two days: April 19 and 20. Nine festival floats parade through the streets and performances of mechanical puppets and children's kabuki theater are given.

The highlight of the festival takes place during the first evening and involves several hundred men competing against each other on a taiko drum (see photograph) in what is known as the Okoshi-Daiko ritual.

Taiko:

Traditional Japanese drums.