高山祭を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、高山祭に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 高山祭とは
- 毎年2回、春（4月14日・15日）と秋（10月9日・10日）に開催される
- 300年以上の歴史があり、日本三大美祭の一つ
- 国の重要無形民俗文化財で、2016年にユネスコ無形文化遺産に登録
- 主な特徴と見どころ
- 豪華な屋台: 精巧な装飾が施された移動式の舞台で、祭りの見どころの一つ
- からくり人形: 屋台の中には、糸や歯車で操られる人形が設置され、奉納芸を披露
- 夜には屋台に提灯が灯され、幻想的な景色が広がる
- 観光情報
- 祭り期間中は宿が取りにくく、早めの予約が必要
- 高山の古い町並みには、酒蔵や伝統的な商店が立ち並ぶ
２人が高山祭について話しています。
高山祭が春と秋に開催されること、豪華な屋台（山車）やからくり人形、夜祭りの幻想的な光景などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever been to the Takayama Festival?
Yeah, I actually went a few years ago. It was amazing! Are you thinking of going?
Definitely. I’ve been reading about it and it sounds like one of the best traditional festivals in Japan.
It really is. The city comes alive with floats, music, and people in traditional clothes.
I heard there are two festivals—one in spring and one in autumn?
That’s right. The Spring Festival is in April and the Autumn Festival is in October. Both are incredible, but the atmosphere feels a bit different.
How so?
Spring has cherry blossoms, so everything feels fresh and colorful. Autumn has the red leaves and a more calm, nostalgic vibe.
Sounds beautiful. What’s the highlight for you?
Definitely the yatai—the big festival floats. They’re beautifully decorated and some even have moving puppets called karakuri.
Oh, I read about those puppets! They can perform little shows, right?
Exactly! The movements are so detailed, it’s hard to believe they’re controlled just by strings and gears.
That must be amazing to see in person. I also saw pictures of the floats at night. The lanterns look magical.
Yeah, the night festival is one of the best parts. The floats with lanterns moving through the old town—it feels like a scene from a movie.
I can’t wait! Is it hard to get around during the festival?
It gets crowded, but the city is well organized. Just make sure to book your hotel early—rooms sell out months in advance.
Good to know. What else should I check out while I’m there?
The old streets in Takayama are worth exploring. There are sake breweries, traditional shops, and local food. It’s a great place to walk around.
I’ve heard the festival is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage too.
Yeah, it was added in 2016. It really shows how much the local people care about their traditions.
I love that. I think seeing this kind of festival will help me understand Japanese culture more deeply.
Absolutely. And once you go, I’m sure you’ll want to go back again!
概要 / Overview
「高山祭」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
高山祭
What is the Takayama Festival?
The Takayama Festival is a famous traditional festival held in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It happens twice every year: once in spring and once in autumn. The Spring Festival takes place on April 14th and 15th, and the Autumn Festival is held on October 9th and 10th. It is known as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan and attracts many visitors from around the world.
History and Cultural Importance
The Takayama Festival began over 300 years ago during the Edo period. Local people created the festival to give thanks to the gods and pray for good luck, health, and peace. Because of its history and traditional culture, the festival was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016. This shows how important the festival is to local people and Japanese culture.
Beautiful Floats and Puppets
The main attraction of the Takayama Festival is the large and beautiful festival floats, called “yatai.” These floats are decorated with amazing wood carvings, gold leaf, and traditional designs made by skilled craftsmen. Some floats even have moving puppets, called “karakuri,” that perform small shows. Visitors love watching these puppet performances, which show incredible detail and skill.
Night Festival and Parade
At night, the floats are decorated with many lanterns, creating a magical and beautiful scene in the city. The festival also has a big parade, with many people wearing traditional Japanese clothing and playing music. During the festival, visitors can also enjoy exploring the old streets of Takayama, trying local foods, and learning more about Japanese culture. It’s a special experience for everyone who visits.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「高山祭」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is the Takayama Festival?
The Takayama Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It happens twice a year, in spring and autumn.
2: When is the Takayama Festival held?
The Spring Festival is on April 14 and 15, and the Autumn Festival is on October 9 and 10.
3: How old is the Takayama Festival?
The festival started over 300 years ago during the Edo period. It has a long and rich history.
4: What is the main attraction of the festival?
The main attraction is the beautiful festival floats called “yatai.” They are decorated with wood carvings and gold.
5: What are “karakuri” puppets?
Karakuri puppets are traditional moving dolls that are used on some festival floats. They perform small shows during the festival.
6: Is the Takayama Festival held at night?
Yes, at night the floats are lit with lanterns, and they parade through the old streets. It creates a magical atmosphere.
7: Why is the festival important?
It shows local pride and tradition. It was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.
8: Can visitors enjoy other things in Takayama?
Yes, visitors can explore old streets, try local foods, and visit sake breweries.
9: Is the festival popular with tourists?
Yes, many people from Japan and other countries come to see the festival every year.
10: What should visitors do before going?
Visitors should book hotels early because rooms get full quickly during the festival season.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever been to the Takayama Festival?
やあ、キー。高山祭に行ったことある？
Yeah, I actually went a few years ago. It was amazing! Are you thinking of going?
うん、数年前に行ったよ。すごく良かったよ！マックも行くつもりなの？
Definitely. I’ve been reading about it and it sounds like one of the best traditional festivals in Japan.
うん、行くつもり。色々読んだんだけど、日本の伝統的な祭りのなかでも特に素晴らしいみたいだね。
It really is. The city comes alive with floats, music, and people in traditional clothes.
実際その通りだよ。祭りになると屋台や音楽、伝統的な服を着た人たちで街が一気に活気づくんだ。
I heard there are two festivals—one in spring and one in autumn?
祭りは年に2回あるって聞いたんだけど、春と秋だっけ？
That’s right. The Spring Festival is in April and the Autumn Festival is in October. Both are incredible, but the atmosphere feels a bit different.
その通り。春の祭りは4月、秋の祭りは10月にあるんだ。どちらも素晴らしいけど、それぞれ雰囲気がちょっと違うよ。
How so?
どんなふうに違うの？
Spring has cherry blossoms, so everything feels fresh and colorful. Autumn has the red leaves and a more calm, nostalgic vibe.
春は桜が咲いていて、すごく明るくて華やかな感じなんだ。秋は紅葉がきれいで、落ち着いた懐かしい感じになる。
Sounds beautiful. What’s the highlight for you?
きれいそうだなぁ。キーが特に良いと思ったのは何？
Definitely the yatai—the big festival floats. They’re beautifully decorated and some even have moving puppets called karakuri.
やっぱり屋台だよ。祭りの山車（だし）のことだけど、本当にきれいに飾られていて、中には動く人形（からくり人形）がついているものもあるんだ。
Oh, I read about those puppets! They can perform little shows, right?
ああ、その人形のこと読んだよ！小さなショーみたいなことをするんだよね？
Exactly! The movements are so detailed, it’s hard to believe they’re controlled just by strings and gears.
そうそう！動きがすごく細かくて、とても紐や歯車だけで動いているとは思えないよ。
That must be amazing to see in person. I also saw pictures of the floats at night. The lanterns look magical.
実際に見たらすごいだろうなぁ。それに夜の屋台の写真も見たけど、提灯がすごく幻想的だった。
Yeah, the night festival is one of the best parts. The floats with lanterns moving through the old town—it feels like a scene from a movie.
うん、夜祭は祭りの一番いいところだね。提灯を灯した屋台が古い町並みを進む光景は、まるで映画のワンシーンだよ。
I can’t wait! Is it hard to get around during the festival?
もう楽しみだよ！祭りの間は動きにくかったりする？
It gets crowded, but the city is well organized. Just make sure to book your hotel early—rooms sell out months in advance.
結構混むけど、街はよく整備されてるよ。ただホテルの予約は早めにした方がいいよ。数か月前には満室になっちゃうから。
Good to know. What else should I check out while I’m there?
それは助かるな。他に行ったら見ておいた方がいいものってある？
The old streets in Takayama are worth exploring. There are sake breweries, traditional shops, and local food. It’s a great place to walk around.
高山の古い町並みを歩いてみるのもいいよ。酒蔵とか伝統的なお店、それに地元の食べ物も楽しめるし、散歩するには最高だよ。
I’ve heard the festival is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage too.
祭りがユネスコ無形文化遺産に登録されてるって聞いたんだけど。
Yeah, it was added in 2016. It really shows how much the local people care about their traditions.
そうだよ。2016年に登録されたんだ。地元の人たちが伝統をどれほど大切にしているかがよく分かるよね。
I love that. I think seeing this kind of festival will help me understand Japanese culture more deeply.
いいね、そういうの。こんな祭りを実際に見ると、日本の文化をもっと深く理解できそうだよ。
Absolutely. And once you go, I’m sure you’ll want to go back again!
その通りだよ。一度行ったら、きっとまた行きたくなるよ！
概要 / Overview
高山祭
What is the Takayama Festival?
The Takayama Festival is a famous traditional festival held in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It happens twice every year: once in spring and once in autumn. The Spring Festival takes place on April 14th and 15th, and the Autumn Festival is held on October 9th and 10th. It is known as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan and attracts many visitors from around the world.
高山祭とは？
高山祭は、岐阜県高山市で行われる有名な伝統的なお祭りです。毎年春と秋の2回開催されます。春の祭りは4月14日と15日、秋の祭りは10月9日と10日に行われます。日本三大美祭の一つとして知られ、世界中から多くの観光客が訪れます。
History and Cultural Importance
The Takayama Festival began over 300 years ago during the Edo period. Local people created the festival to give thanks to the gods and pray for good luck, health, and peace. Because of its history and traditional culture, the festival was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016. This shows how important the festival is to local people and Japanese culture.
歴史と文化的な価値
高山祭は江戸時代に始まり、300年以上の歴史があります。地元の人々が神様に感謝し、幸運や健康、平和を祈るために始めた祭りです。この長い歴史と伝統文化が評価され、2016年にユネスコの無形文化遺産に登録されました。このことは、高山祭が地元や日本文化にとってどれほど大切かを示しています。
Beautiful Floats and Puppets
The main attraction of the Takayama Festival is the large and beautiful festival floats, called “yatai.” These floats are decorated with amazing wood carvings, gold leaf, and traditional designs made by skilled craftsmen. Some floats even have moving puppets, called “karakuri,” that perform small shows. Visitors love watching these puppet performances, which show incredible detail and skill.
美しい屋台とからくり人形
高山祭の一番の見どころは、「屋台」と呼ばれる大きくて美しい山車（だし）です。屋台には職人による精巧な木彫りや金箔、伝統的なデザインが施されています。中には「からくり人形」という動く人形があり、小さなパフォーマンスを披露する屋台もあります。これらの人形の細かい動きと技術は、多くの観光客を魅了します。
Night Festival and Parade
At night, the floats are decorated with many lanterns, creating a magical and beautiful scene in the city. The festival also has a big parade, with many people wearing traditional Japanese clothing and playing music. During the festival, visitors can also enjoy exploring the old streets of Takayama, trying local foods, and learning more about Japanese culture. It’s a special experience for everyone who visits.
夜祭とパレード
夜になると、屋台にはたくさんの提灯が灯され、町は幻想的で美しい雰囲気に包まれます。祭りでは、大勢の人が伝統的な衣装を着て音楽を演奏する大きなパレードもあります。また、観光客は高山の古い町並みを歩いたり、地元の食べ物を楽しんだり、日本文化について学んだりすることもできます。訪れる人すべてにとって、特別な体験となる祭りです。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is the Takayama Festival?
高山祭とは何ですか？
The Takayama Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It happens twice a year, in spring and autumn.
高山祭は、岐阜県高山市で開催される日本の伝統的なお祭りです。春と秋の年2回行われます。
2: When is the Takayama Festival held?
高山祭はいつ行われますか？
The Spring Festival is on April 14 and 15, and the Autumn Festival is on October 9 and 10.
春の祭りは4月14日と15日、秋の祭りは10月9日と10日に行われます。
3: How old is the Takayama Festival?
高山祭の歴史はどのくらいありますか？
The festival started over 300 years ago during the Edo period. It has a long and rich history.
この祭りは江戸時代に始まり、300年以上の歴史があります。とても長く豊かな伝統を持っています。
4: What is the main attraction of the festival?
この祭りの主な見どころは何ですか？
The main attraction is the beautiful festival floats called “yatai.” They are decorated with wood carvings and gold.
最大の見どころは「屋台」と呼ばれる美しい山車です。木彫りや金箔で華やかに飾られています。
5: What are “karakuri” puppets?
「からくり人形」とは何ですか？
Karakuri puppets are traditional moving dolls that are used on some festival floats. They perform small shows during the festival.
からくり人形は、一部の屋台に使われる伝統的な動く人形です。祭りの中で小さな演技を披露します。
6: Is the Takayama Festival held at night?
高山祭は夜にも行われますか？
Yes, at night the floats are lit with lanterns, and they parade through the old streets. It creates a magical atmosphere.
はい、夜には屋台に提灯が灯され、古い町並みを練り歩きます。幻想的な雰囲気になります。
7: Why is the festival important?
なぜこの祭りは重要なのですか？
It shows local pride and tradition. It was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.
地元の誇りと伝統を表しているからです。2016年にはユネスコの無形文化遺産にも登録されました。
8: Can visitors enjoy other things in Takayama?
高山では他にも楽しめることがありますか？
Yes, visitors can explore old streets, try local foods, and visit sake breweries.
はい、古い町並みを散策したり、地元の食べ物を味わったり、酒蔵を訪れることもできます。
9: Is the festival popular with tourists?
この祭りは観光客に人気ですか？
Yes, many people from Japan and other countries come to see the festival every year.
はい、日本国内外から多くの人が毎年この祭りを見に訪れます。
10: What should visitors do before going?
訪れる前にしておくべきことはありますか？
Visitors should book hotels early because rooms get full quickly during the festival season.
祭りの時期はすぐに宿が満室になるので、早めにホテルを予約するのがおすすめです。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
float : 名詞
意味：山車、屋台、（祭りなどの）飾り車。A decorated platform, often on wheels, used in parades or festivals.
（高山祭に登場する、美しく装飾された屋台（山車）を指す）
例文：
- The festival had many beautiful floats decorated with lanterns.
「祭りには提灯で飾られた美しい屋台がたくさんありました。」 - Each float was made by a different neighborhood.
「それぞれの屋台は異なる町内が作ったものでした。」 - The children followed the big float through the streets.
「子どもたちは大きな屋台のあとを通りを歩いて追いかけました。」
vibe : 名詞
意味：雰囲気、気分、感じ。The mood or atmosphere of a place, person, or event.
（春と秋の高山祭の「雰囲気の違い」を表現するために使用）
例文：
- The festival had a very peaceful vibe in autumn.
「秋の祭りはとても穏やかな雰囲気でした。」 - I liked the traditional vibe of the town.
「その町の伝統的な雰囲気が気に入りました。」 - Each season gives a different vibe to the festival.
「季節によって祭りの雰囲気が変わります。」
puppet : 名詞
意味：人形、操り人形。A model of a person or animal that is moved by hand, strings, or wires.
（高山祭の「からくり人形」を指す）
例文：
- The puppets on the float performed a short show.
「屋台の人形たちは短い演技を披露しました。」 - Children loved watching the moving puppet.
「子どもたちは動く人形を見るのが大好きでした。」 - The puppet was controlled with strings and gears.
「その人形は糸と歯車で動かされていました。」
magical : 形容詞
意味：魔法のような、幻想的な、魅力的な。Like magic; very special or beautiful.
（夜の高山祭の幻想的な雰囲気を表す）
例文：
- The lanterns made the night festival feel magical.
「提灯が夜の祭りを幻想的なものにしていました。」 - It was a magical moment when the floats passed through the street.
「屋台が通りを進むその瞬間はまるで魔法のようでした。」 - The city looked magical under the stars.
「星の下でその街は幻想的に見えました。」
get around : 句動詞
意味：移動する、行き来する。To move from place to place, especially in a town or city.
（祭りの時の混雑の中での移動のしやすさについて言及）
例文：
- It’s easy to get around the city during the festival.
「祭りの間も街の中を移動するのは簡単です。」 - He rented a bike to get around more quickly.
「彼はもっと早く移動できるように自転車を借りました。」 - Tourists often get around Takayama on foot.
「観光客はよく高山を徒歩で移動します。」