Matsuri Lion Dance

The lion dance or shishimai is a common part of the Takayama Matsuri. At certain times during the festival and parade it is performed but it sort of opens the festival too. Performers scour the neighborhoods before the start of the parade to elicit donations, which go toward saki and beer for the performers.
A wooden lion mask and wooly-looking costume is worn, and the dance is performed to loud music featuring gongs, drums, bells, flutes, sanshin, and various other instruments.