Yamaga Lantern Festival 2026 Dates and Schedule

The festival always takes place on August 15 and August 16 every year. In 2026, these dates fall on a Saturday and Sunday. This makes the event very popular for weekend travelers. You should plan your trip several months in advance to secure a spot. The main festivities begin in the late afternoon and continue into the night.

The events are centered around the historic Omiya Shrine in Yamaga City. This shrine has a deep connection to the local lantern traditions. Most ceremonies start around 6:00 PM when the sun begins to set. The glowing lanterns look most beautiful against the dark night sky. You can find official updates from Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism regarding specific ceremony times.

Visitors should prepare for the intense heat of the Japanese summer. Temperatures in Kumamoto often exceed 30°C (86°F) even during the evening hours. Humidity is also very high during the middle of August. Drink plenty of water and wear breathable clothing for your comfort. Most locals wear traditional yukata to celebrate the festive atmosphere.

• Dates: August 15-16, 2026
• Location: Yamaga City, Kumamoto
• Primary Venue: Omiya Shrine and Yamaga Elementary School
• Cost: Free for street viewing; paid tickets for main dance

August 15 Events and Fireworks

The first day of the festival focuses on ancient traditions and celebrations. Local craftspeople dedicate handmade paper lanterns to the Omiya Shrine. These lanterns are made entirely of paper and glue without any wood. You can see these intricate works of art displayed throughout the town. The craftsmanship is truly impressive to see up close.

A major highlight of August 15 is the large fireworks display. The show takes place along the banks of the Kikuchi River. Thousands of colorful rockets light up the sky starting around 8:00 PM. This event draws large crowds to the riverbanks early in the day. Many families bring mats to claim a good viewing spot.

Street food stalls, known as yatai, line the main roads of Yamaga. You can enjoy classic Japanese festival snacks like yakisoba and takoyaki. These stalls create a lively and energetic environment for all visitors. Most vendors accept only cash, so bring enough Japanese yen. Prices for snacks usually range from 500 to 800 yen each.

August 16 Sennin Toro Odori Schedule

The second night features the most famous part of the entire festival. This event is called the Sennin Toro Odori, or the thousand-lantern dance. One thousand women dressed in yukata dance in a large, rhythmic circle. Each woman carries a glowing gold or silver lantern on her head. The sight of moving lights is truly mesmerizing and unique.

The main dance takes place at the Yamaga Elementary School grounds. This venue provides enough space for the massive circle of dancers. The performance usually begins around 8:00 PM and lasts for several hours. You will hear traditional folk songs played on flutes and drums. The atmosphere is peaceful yet deeply powerful for the audience.

You must book your dance tickets early to get a seated view. Free standing areas are available but they get crowded very quickly. Paid seats offer a much better view of the intricate dance patterns. Prices for these seats typically start around 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Tickets often go on sale a few months before August.

How to Reach Yamaga from Kumamoto

Yamaga City is located about 30 kilometers north of Kumamoto City. There is no direct train station in the center of Yamaga. Most visitors take a local bus from the Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal. The ride takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. During the festival, extra buses are often added to the schedule.

You can learn more about how to travel from Kumamoto to Yamaga using our guide. A one-way bus fare costs roughly 900 to 1,200 yen. Make sure to check the time of the last returning bus. Buses back to Kumamoto City can be very full after the dance ends. Arrive at the bus stop early to avoid long waits.

Driving a rental car is another option for reaching the festival grounds. However, many streets in central Yamaga close for the evening events. Temporary parking lots are set up on the outskirts of the city. You may need to walk 15 to 20 minutes from these lots. Traffic can be very heavy when the fireworks or dances finish.