Two-metre candles carved from snow stand along the main street, and a thousand small candles are set out beside the canal where the carp swim.
Overview
Sanjimairi is a custom particular to Hida Furukawa, more than two centuries old: on the evening of 15 January, people walk to three temples in the town – Enko-ji, Shinsho-ji and Honko-ji – in memory of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Historically it was also a night when young women in formal dress were seen in public, which gave the walk a reputation as a matchmaking occasion. Today it is a quiet, cold, very photogenic evening.
When and where
Sanjimairi is held on 15 January every year, so in 2027 that is Friday 15 January. Based on the recent pattern: the temple-gate market runs from 12:00 to 21:00, the thousand candles along the Seto River are lit from 16:00 to 20:30, and the snow-sculpture candles on the main street from 16:00 to 21:00.
Nearest station: Hida-Furukawa, a few minutes on foot from the canal.
Getting there
Hida-Furukawa is about 15 minutes north of Takayama on the JR Takayama line, which makes this an easy evening trip if you are based in Takayama. From Nagoya, allow around 2 hours 40 minutes by limited express. The town centre is compact and entirely walkable.
What to expect
Small-town winter atmosphere rather than spectacle.
- A thousand candles along the Seto River canal, reflected in the water
- Two-metre candles carved from snow along the main street
- Visits to Enko-ji, Shinsho-ji and Honko-ji temples
- A market with Hida specialities and food stalls through the afternoon and evening
- Kimono rental with dressing from 15:00 to 17:30, around 4,000 yen including dressing
Tickets and admission
Free to attend. The temples are open and there is no charge for the candle displays; kimono rental and food are paid. Reserve kimono rental ahead, as slots are limited on the night.
Tips for visitors
Come by train from Takayama in the late afternoon and stay until the candles are fully lit around 18:00 – that is the best hour. Mid-January in the Hida valley is genuinely cold with snow underfoot, so bring boots. Furukawa is also worth a daytime visit for its sake breweries, which are within a few streets of the canal.
Access and map
| Dates | 15 January 2027 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Seto River canal and three temples, Hida Furukawa, Hida, Gifu |
| Access | JR Hida-Furukawa station, a few minutes on foot |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Hida City official tourism site |
Source: Hida no Tabi, Hida City official tourism site
Image: Photo: Asturio Cantabrio / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
