Minato Tsuruga Float Hall

　The Tsuruga floats (yama) are said to have existed as far back as the Muromachi period, and it is believed that Oda Nobunaga himself viewed them. Whilst there were reportedly nearly 50 floats at their peak, they were destroyed in the Tsuruga air raid, leaving only three remaining.

　However, the people of Tsuruga’s attachment to the floats remained strong, and they gradually restored them and resumed the tradition. Currently, six floats parade through the streets every year on 4 September.

　The Minato Tsuruga Float Museum houses a permanent exhibition of these floats. The most distinctive feature of Tsuruga’s floats is that they are adorned with warrior dolls dressed in Noh costumes and armour, whilst the four sides of the stage are beautifully adorned with mizuhiki curtains featuring sumptuous embroidery in gold and silver thread. The designs feature motifs of flowers and birds, as well as scenes from Chinese mythology, reflecting the spirit with which Tsuruga’s wealthy merchants—who prospered through the Kitamae-bune trade—celebrated the festival.

　Inside the hall, there are photo spots where visitors can try on armour and the ‘jinbaori’ (ceremonial coat) worn by Ōtani Yoshitsugu, the lord of Tsuruga Castle, free of charge.