Fukushima Travel – Shirakawa Lantern Festival

Every two years, the historic castle town of Shirakawa in Fukushima Prefecture is transformed by thousands of glowing lanterns during the Shirakawa Chochin Festival.

Held from September 19 to 21, 2026, this traditional festival is the grand festival of Kashima Shrine, the guardian shrine of Shirakawa. Officially known as the Kashima Shrine Festival Procession, the festival has been passed down for around 370 years and remains one of Shirakawa’s most important traditional celebrations.

A Festival Held Only Once Every Two Years

The Shirakawa Chochin Festival takes place only once every two years, making it a particularly special event to experience.

During the daytime, floats and festival carts are pulled through the historic streets of the former castle town. But as evening arrives, the atmosphere changes dramatically.

The streets become illuminated by countless lanterns as local communities take part in the procession accompanying the shrine’s mikoshi, or portable shrine.

A Sea of Lanterns Under the Autumn Night Sky

The most unforgettable sight is the nighttime procession.

Rows of lanterns glow against the dark autumn sky, creating a beautiful and almost dreamlike scene along the historic streets of Shirakawa.

The mikoshi is accompanied by lantern processions from different neighborhoods, creating a long stream of warm lights through the old town.

For visitors, it is a spectacular introduction to a very different side of Japanese festival culture—not a modern performance created for tourists, but a traditional religious festival deeply connected to the local community.

Energetic Voices Echo Through the Streets

The atmosphere is not quiet, however.

Young men carrying the mikoshi and lanterns shout energetic festival calls as they make their way through the streets. Their voices echo between the historic buildings, adding a powerful sense of energy to the glowing night.

The contrast is striking: the gentle light of countless lanterns against the darkness, combined with the powerful voices and movement of the procession.

It is a scene that captures the spirit of a traditional Japanese festival.

A Festival Rooted in Shirakawa’s Historic Townscape

The procession takes place along the streets of the former Oshu Kaido, an important historic highway that once connected Edo with northern Japan.

Many historic buildings and traditional street layouts remain in this part of Shirakawa, providing an authentic setting for the festival.

The relationship between the festival and this historic townscape is one of the reasons the Chochin Festival is so special. The streets themselves become part of the stage, connecting present-day Shirakawa with its history as a castle town.

Experience Another Japan in Fukushima

Japan is famous for spectacular festivals in cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. But some of the country’s most fascinating traditions can be found in smaller regional communities.

The Shirakawa Lantern Festival is one of them.

Every two years, the people of Shirakawa come together to continue a tradition that has survived for centuries. The mikoshi, the lanterns, the energetic voices, and the historic streets create a memorable scene that feels deeply rooted in the culture of the town.

For travelers searching for authentic Japan, traditional festivals, and places away from the usual tourist routes, Shirakawa is a fascinating destination to discover.

Come to Fukushima and discover another Japan with Deep Japan Tours.

Photo: September 19&21, 2026