[Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City] "Yubana Festival (Ema Festival)" and "Norikura Bus Departure Ceremony" to be held at Hirayu Onsen

Yubana Festival and Ema Market This is a festival to express gratitude for the hot springs gushing forth in Hirayu. The hot water brought from each source within the Hirayu Onsen area is placed in a cauldron, and boiled over a fire fueled by ghomagi (wooden tablets) inscribed with wishes. This hot water is then sprinkled on worshippers, believed to bring good health and business prosperity. In the afternoon, 'Ema' (votive horse pictures), traditional good luck charms from Okuhida, will be sold. Date: May 15 (Friday) *Held annually on May 15 'Ema Market': Approximately 1:00 PM onwards 'Yubana Festival' Shinto ritual: Approximately 7:30 PM onwards (Canceled in case of rain) Location: Within Hirayu Shrine grounds, Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City Organizer: Hirayu Onsen Tourist Association (tel: 0578-89-3030) Norikura Skyline Opening Bus Departure Ceremony The Norikura Skyline will open, marking the beginning of the mountaineering season. Hirayu Onsen will hold a departure ceremony to celebrate this. On the day, the Hirayu Onsen Youth Association will perform a lion dance, and the 6th-grade students of Tochio Elementary School will energize the event with a 'Tochikko Hot Drum' performance. Date: May 15 (Friday) Departure Ceremony: 8:05 AM onwards Bus Departure: 8:35 AM onwards Location: "Hirayu Bus Terminal" Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City Organizer: Hirayu Onsen Tourist Association (tel: 0578-89-3030) Inquiries regarding this matter: General Incorporated Association Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourist Association TEL: 0578-89-2614 Hirayu Onsen Tourist Information Center TEL: 0578-89-3030 Takayama City Kamitakara Branch Office TEL: 0578-86-2111