Thousands of Bamboo Lanterns Illuminate the Town
Every November the towns of Oita are beautifully illuminated by thousands of bamboo lanterns. Oita Prefecture is Japan's top producer of Japanese Tinder Bamboo (madake), which is why many towns have come to use them for local celebrations. The bamboo lanterns are strategically arranged through the towns and rivers to create the perfect illumination. Travelers can walk around and enjoy the illumination as well as performances held in town. The streets are also filled with food vendors selling local Oita specialties.Usuki Takeyoi
Held during the first week of November, the Usuki Takeyoi festival celebrates Princess Hannyahime. The lanterns are made from August with community organizations, schools, business, and government groups working to make dazzling Japanese bamboo lanterns. The lit lanterns are meant to guide the soul of Princess Hannyahime to her parents.Taketa Take-tourou Chikuraku
A three day event held in mid-November, the Taketa Take-tourou Chikuraku festival celebrates Taketa with 20,000 decorative bamboo lanterns. The views of the festival are considered one of the best and draws thousands of tourists and travelers from all Japan.Sen'nen-Akari
Held during the Mameda Festival in November, this event lights 30,000 lanterns along the Kagetsu river.Come see all the lantern celebrations with Japan Deluxe Tour's affordable range of day-trips and custom excursions. Add the festival to a Southern Japan Tour with our pre/post stay extension options, or customize your own vacation package to include all three of Oita's Lantern Festivals!
