The Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern festival is a traditional summer event with an impressive history spanning approximately 600 years. It's said that in the Muromachi period, Ouchi Morimi (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, and this inspired subsequent events.
The festival includes tens of thousands of red lanterns illuminated by candlelight, adding color to the shopping streets of Yamaguchi City. The beautiful atmosphere has even been certified as a night view heritage of Japan if you needed any extra incentive to check it out.
Getting there
The event takes place around the Yamaguchi City central shopping district, which can be accessed in 5 minutes on foot from JR Yamaguchi Station, 30 minutes by bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, or around 20 minutes by car from Ogori IC on the Chugoku Expressway.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
