While the small city of Yamaga is best known for its summertime Obon lantern festival, the month of February sees the streets lit up in beautiful fashion.
Several blocks along Yamaga’s historic trading road are decorated with illuminated paper umbrellas and bamboo lanterns. The town’s beautifully-restored Yachiyoza theater, normally a venue for kabuki plays, hosts performances of the town’s famous summer dance.
The festival takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings during the month of February, but is cancelled in the event of rain or heavy snow. Displays are usually set up around sunset.
In 2025, the dates are as follows:
- February 2, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, and 28
- March 1
Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok
Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.
