Taka Yama — The Falconry Float Returns to Kyoto

After nearly two centuries of absence, Taka Yama (鷹山) made a triumphant return to the Gion Festival parade in 2022. The revival has been a symbol of hope, community renewal, and cultural continuity. 

Taka Yama dates back to at least the 15th century, though its journey has been fraught. In 1826, a heavy rainstorm destroyed its decorations; later, during the great fire of 1864, its timber frame was lost. What survived, however, were the three sacred statues’ heads and hands, which devoted locals preserved even when the rest of the float was gone. 

The modern version of Taka Yama is rebuilt with elegance and care. It features Persian knotted textiles, beautifully crafted elements, and a renewed spirit of neighborhood collaboration across Kyoto. More than a visual spectacle, Taka Yama stands as a living metaphor: acknowledging impermanence, cherishing what carries through time, and celebrating the rebirth of cultural memory.