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Japan is a country where tradition, art as well as spirituality come alive through its countless festivals, and lantern events stand out as some of the most captivating. Lanterns in Japan are not only beautiful decorations, as they carry deep significance, warding off evil, honouring ancestral spirits, marking seasonal changes as well as celebrating community.
Get a chance to attend the Chidorigafuchi Floating Lantern Festival, a Japanese lantern festival in Tokyo, where you can see thousands of lanterns float along the moat. Partake in Nagasaki’s Obon Lantern Festival where you can see people float lights on the Sasebo river to honour their ancestors.
These festivals transform cities, temples as well as waterways into glowing spectacles. Also, they give tourists a chance to experience Japan’s art, spirituality, and sense of community all in one unique event. So, here are some Japanese lantern festivals that will add a touch of brightness to your trip.
1. Ryukyu Lantern Festival, Okinawa
The Ryukyu Lantern Festival of Yomitan Night Lights Project is held in the Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Kingdom Theme Park in Okinawa. Here, you can see traditional Japanese washi paper lanterns as well as bright Chinese and Vietnamese lanterns and sculptures. Stamp rallies, projection mapping performances along with lantern-making classes are among the fun events you can participate in.
It is an annual event which generally takes place from December to March, and is a must-experience for culture enthusiasts. With Japan tour packages from Chennai, you can witness a unique fusion of culture, lighting, and hands-on activities in a gorgeous Okinawan environment, at this festival.
2. Miyama Snow Lantern Festival, Kyoto
The Miyama Snow Lantern Festival in Kyoto turns this community of thatched-roof farmhouses into a magical winter scene, from late January to early February. Here, you can make snow lanterns with locals using the free buckets, shovels, and lights that are available. At night, witness the snow lanterns and buildings lit up for a stunning view.
You can take any of the buses that depart from JR Kyoto Station to get here. Upon reaching, you can order from the food stands which are filled with warm local snacks. This beautiful, hands-on winter event is a great way to spend your honeymoon trip to Japan and give yourself a truly romantic as well as unique cultural experience.
3. Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Nagasaki hosts the Lantern Festival, which fills the city with bright lights during the first 15 days of the Chinese New Year. This festival, which draws on traditions from the city’s Chinatown, has grown into one of Nagasaki’s biggest highlights. Here, you can see lion and dragon dances, acrobatics, and masked dances inspired from the Chinese opera tradition of Bian Lian.
Get tickets to the big events in Minato Park, where there are glowing shows from Dejima Wharf to Meganebashi. So, if you want an equal share of culture and light in your Japan tours, be sure to include this lively highlight.
4. The Senshu Beach Lantern Festival, Osaka
During Japan tours, you can attend the Senshu Beach Lantern Festival which takes place at Osaka’s Sennan Rinku Park during summer, after 8 pm. More than 1,000 fireworks are set off along the water, and the palm trees light up in bright colours.
Here, you can help set off the lanterns and make wishes, while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the beach. The event brings together tradition as well as beauty to ward off bad luck and welcome good luck, with lanterns as a unique entry fee.
5. Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival, Kawasaki, Kyoto
The Tanabata, a sky lantern festival in Japan, is a modern take on Japan’s famous Star Festival which takes place in Kanagawa, Kawasaki, and Kyoto. It celebrates the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi who were two lovers separated by the Milky Way, and were allowed to meet just once a year.
At this festival, you can write wishes on colourful tanzaku papers, attach them to LED lanterns, and watch them rise into the night sky. The glowing lanterns create a breathtaking scene, while food stalls, live performances along with games add to the festive spirit in an eco-friendly way.
6. Chidorigafuchi Floating Lantern Festival, Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi Park’s summer Floating Lantern Festival illuminates Tokyo and represents thankfulness as well as hope, with over 2,000 lanterns along the moat. Here, you can freely walk around the moat, enjoy the glowing scene, or pay ¥1,000 to write your wishes on lanterns for them to be released.
During the festival, draw chooses 80 groups every day to row boats among the lanterns which gives you a more personal view. This event is truly special because it combines tradition, beauty, and community during your Japan trip.
7. Nebuta Aomori Festival, Aomori, Aomori Prefecture
The Aomori Nebuta event is a famous Japanese festival which takes place every August 2nd through August 7th in the city of Aomori. Nebutas, which are huge light floats made of washi paper and wire, show stories and gods from Japanese mythology.
At this event, you can see brightly dressed dancers called Haneto, jump and shout “Rassera, rassera” as the floats go through the city. You can also spot musicians playing flutes and drums in the background.
Witness Aomori Bay fill up with energy, as vessels are decorated with colourful floats as well as fireworks, on August 7th. Visitors can explore food and souvenir stalls, meet the artisans behind the designs, and enjoy the lively procession along the waterfront.
8. Obon Lantern Festival, Nagasaki
Nagasaki’s Obon Lantern Festival includes the Shoro Nagashi, which is an event featuring floating lanterns and takes place on August 15th on the Sasebo River near NimitzPark. Here, you can spot people writing prayers as well as wishes on paper lanterns and throwing them into the river, believing that it helps the spirits of their ancestors reach the afterlife.
During this Buddhist holiday which honours ancestors, you can spot the glowing lanterns create a peaceful and heartfelt atmosphere, as they float slowly along the water.
9. Odaiba Sea Lights Lantern Festival, Tokyo
Tokyo’s Odaiba Marine Park, which is considered as one of the top places to visit in Japan, hosts the Odaiba Sea Lights Lantern Festival, every October. This event honours Marine Day by offering prayers for maritime safety and expressing gratitude for the gifts of the ocean.
During this festival, you can see more than 2,000 colourful lanterns light up the beach, enjoy live local music besides having a picnic by the water. This creates a breathtaking panorama with the Rainbow Bridge in the background. However, the event now takes place during October as an ideal fall celebration in order to avoid the summer heat.
Conclusion
Japan’s lantern festivals offer colourful floats and lanterns, along with lively parades that celebrate tradition and community. During these events, you can spot spectacular lantern displays, join in local events, and enjoy unique cultural experiences. So, make your Japan tour truly special by including a lantern festival in your travel plans today.