Kumamoto · Yamaga
Yamaga Tōrō Matsuri
山鹿灯籠まつり
Gold lanterns made of paper and glue alone, balanced on the head, danced by a thousand women.
Next
15–16 August 2027
296 days away
Every year, 15 August, for 2 days
Future dates: 15 August 2027 · 15 August 2028 · 15 August 2029
Origin
Tradition says villagers raised torches to guide the Emperor Keikō through fog. That light was later transferred into paper lanterns and offered to the shrine. The lanterns use no wood and no metal — washi and glue only.
What to look for
In the thousand-lantern dance, rows of light move across a darkened ground at head height. The lanterns are remarkable objects in their own right; daytime exhibitions let you see the construction close up.
How to watch
The lanterns are extremely fragile — keep your distance from the dancers. The main ground has paid seating, which sells out early.
Where
Central Yamaga and Ōmiya Shrine
Yamaga, Kumamoto
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