Photo/Illutration Spectators take in the sight of traditional floats parading through under cherry blossom trees in full bloom in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, on April 1. (Tadashi Mizowaki)

INUYAMA, Aichi Prefecture--Lavish floats are once again a key feature of the famed Inuyama Matsuri street parade festival here, a sure sign that people have put the COVID-19 pandemic behind them.

The spring festival has been hosted by Haritsuna Shrine since the Edo Period (1603-1868).

The main event, called “Yama-gyoji,” is renowned for its gorgeously decorated traditional wheeled floats and designated by the central government as an important intangible folk-cultural property.

The event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

A scaled down version was held last year simply for the purpose of keeping the tradition alive.

But this year, the event was held in all its splendor for the first time since 2019.

All 13 floats lined up at a square in front of Inuyama-jo castle, a national treasure, on April 1.

Cherry blossom trees were in full bloom as if to welcome back the floats, and spectators were out in force.

The floats were paraded through the historic castle town’s streets from the morning.

The top of each float featured a mechanized “karakuri” puppet doll that seemed to perform feats of wizardry.

As darkness fell, the floats were decorated with lit lanterns.

“I want to share the pleasure of holding this festival and connecting with as many people as possible,” said 77-year-old Yoshihiro Ishida, who heads a festival preservation association.

The float parade continued on April 2.

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