Head to the Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival for one of Japan’s largest lantern festivals, featuring the traditional chochin lantern.
What happens?
The Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival is a vibrant celebration that transforms the city into a sea of lights.
You’ll witness the impressive Chochin Yamakasa parade with lanterns inscribed with poetry, a towering Chochin Tree decorated with 800 lanterns, and the Mini Chochin Tree lit by families and visitors.
The festival culminates with the Tsunagaru Oton lantern display, connecting the community with a beautiful, illuminated spectacle. Enjoy traditional performances and plenty of food stalls.
History
The festival has an impressive history spanning approximately 600 years. It dates back to the Muromachi period when Morimi Ouchi, one of the heads of the Ouchi clan that ruled Yamaguchi from the 14th to 16th centuries, lit a high bamboo lantern during Obon to pray for the souls of his ancestors.
Today, tens of thousands of red lanterns illuminate the shopping streets of Yamaguchi City, creating a beautiful atmosphere that has been certified as a night view heritage of Japan.
Schedule 2024
Here are some of the highlights:
August 6 (Tuesday)
- 18:30–21:30: Lanterns on display, including the Lantern Tree.
- 19:00–21:30: Dance performances and yume chochin or dream lanterns on display.
August 7 (Wednesday)
- 18:30–21:30: Lanterns on display, including the Lantern Tree.
- 19:00–21:00: Lantern workshop.
- 20:00–21:00: Lantern mikoshi or portable shrine parade, and Chochin Yamakasa parade, featuring a massive flaat.
See the complete schedule here (in Japanese).
How to get there
The event takes place around the Yamaguchi City central shopping district. It can be accessed in 5 minutes on foot from JR Yamaguchi Station or 30 minutes by bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
