Fukushima Travel – Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival

From October 4 to 6, 2025, the historic castle town of Nihonmatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, part of Japan’s Tohoku region, came alive with the glowing beauty of the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival — one of Japan’s Three Great Lantern Festivals. With over 370 years of tradition, this spectacular event is deeply rooted in the culture of the Nihonmatsu Shrine and celebrates the spirit of the community through music, lanterns, and breathtaking processions.

The highlight of the festival takes place on October 4, known as the Yoi Matsuri (Evening Festival), when seven grand taiko floats (Taikodai), each adorned with hundreds of glowing lanterns, parade together through the streets. The sacred flame of the Nihonmatsu Shrine is carried and shared to light each town’s lanterns, symbolizing unity and divine blessing. As the countless lanterns flicker against the autumn night sky, the scene is nothing short of magical. The sound of traditional festival music and taiko drums echoes through the sloping streets of this old castle town, creating an atmosphere both powerful and nostalgic.

On October 5, the main festival day, all seven floats march proudly through Nihonmatsu in daylight, allowing visitors to see the detailed craftsmanship of the wooden floats and the passionate performances of the local participants. The energy peaks as the floats ascend the city’s hilly streets, with chants and drumming reaching their most intense moments.

The final day, October 6, features separate processions by different districts — three floats and four floats — as the festival comes to a close. The participants continue their march deep into the night, a sign of their devotion and pride in preserving this ancient tradition.

The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is more than just a visual spectacle — it is a living expression of Japanese cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of Tohoku’s autumn festivals.

Because Nihonmatsu can be difficult to reach by public transportation, we recommend joining Deeper Japan Tours, which offers convenient and authentic travel experiences to discover the best of Fukushima’s traditional festivals. Don’t miss the chance to witness this unforgettable lantern festival, where history, light, and human passion come together in one of Japan’s most enchanting fall celebrations.

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