Japan’s Three Major Lantern Festivals: Akita Kanto Festival, Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, and Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival
Introduction
Lantern festivals are one of Japan’s most enchanting summer events. The glow of lanterns illuminating the night creates a magical atmosphere, blending history and culture into a mesmerizing spectacle. This time, let’s explore Japan’s three major lantern festivals: Akita Kanto Festival, Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, and Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival. Each of these festivals has its own unique charm, and they are all well worth visiting. We will also cover access methods from Japan’s main gateways and information about the surrounding areas.
Akita Kanto Festival (Akita Prefecture)
Charm of the Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival, held annually from August 3rd to 6th in Akita City, is a festival that prays for a good harvest using “Kanto” poles that resemble rice ears. At night, hundreds of Kanto poles are paraded through the streets, creating a spectacular sight. The Kanto poles, which can weigh up to 50 kg, are skillfully balanced and performed by experienced handlers, captivating the audience.
Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports
From Narita Airport: There are direct flights from Narita Airport to Akita Airport, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Akita Airport, it takes about 35 minutes by bus to Akita City. From Haneda Airport: Direct flights are also available from Haneda Airport to Akita Airport, with a flight time of about 1 hour. From Akita Airport, it takes about 35 minutes by bus to the city center. From Kansai International Airport: You can fly from Kansai International Airport via Itami Airport to Akita Airport. The flight time from Itami Airport to Akita Airport is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it takes about 35 minutes by bus from Akita Airport to the city center.
Nearby Information
In Akita City, there are several tourist attractions, such as the Akita City Chiaki Art Museum and the ruins of Kubota Castle. You can also enjoy Akita’s local delicacies, such as kiritanpo nabe (a hot pot dish) and inaniwa udon noodles.
Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival (Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Charm of the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival
The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, held annually from October 4th to 6th in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, has a history of about 300 years. The festival features seven giant floats adorned with approximately 3,000 lanterns, parading through the city. At night, the lanterns create a fantastic illumination, bringing the festival to its climax.
Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports
From Narita Airport: The convenient route is to take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then take the Shinkansen to Fukushima Station. The total travel time is about 3 hours. From Fukushima Station, it takes about 20 minutes to Nihonmatsu Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line. From Haneda Airport: There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Fukushima Airport, taking about 1 hour. From Fukushima Airport, it takes about 1 hour by limousine bus to Nihonmatsu City. From Kansai International Airport: There are direct flights from Kansai International Airport to Fukushima Airport, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Fukushima Airport, it takes about 1 hour by limousine bus to Nihonmatsu City.
Nearby Information
In Nihonmatsu City, there are historical sites such as Kasumigajo Park and Nihonmatsu Castle Ruins. You can also enjoy local specialties such as Fukushima’s fresh fruits and nihonshu (Japanese sake).
Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival (Aichi Prefecture)
Charm of the Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival
The Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival, held annually on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of July in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, is a festival with over 500 years of history. At night, lanterns illuminate a dozen or so boats floating on the river, creating a magical sight. The “Yofune” boats, decorated with lanterns, reflect their light on the water, providing a stunning visual experience.
Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports
From Narita Airport: There are direct flights from Narita Airport to Nagoya Airport, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Nagoya Airport, it takes about 1 hour by bus and train to Tsushima City. From Haneda Airport: There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport, with a flight time of about 1 hour. From Chubu Centrair International Airport, it takes about 1 hour by train to Tsushima City. From Kansai International Airport: There are direct flights from Kansai International Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport, with a flight time of about 1 hour. From Chubu Centrair International Airport, it takes about 1 hour by train to Tsushima City.
Nearby Information
In Tsushima City, there are tourist spots such as Tsushima Shrine and Tennogawa Park. You can also enjoy Nagoya’s famous dishes such as hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) and tebasaki (chicken wings).
Conclusion
Japan’s three major lantern festivals each have their own unique charm and history, attracting many tourists. With convenient access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports, these festivals are definitely worth a visit. The areas surrounding the festivals offer numerous tourist attractions and delicious local cuisine, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of Japan. Your time at the lantern festivals will surely become an unforgettable memory.