Written by Catrina Sugita

A Nostalgic Lantern-Illuminated Midsummer's Night for All to Enjoy

For the first time in 3 years, the Sairigenya lantern festival is finally back!

Held every August for one night only in the area surrounding the Sairi Yashiki old warehouse buildings, this summer festival will take you back in time to the bustling Taisho Period (1912–1926). Over 1,000 lanterns, exquisitely decorated with colorful hand-drawn paintings, line the streets and buildings around the Moriya Station neighborhood, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere of Japan's early 20th century.

In addition to the mesmerizing lantern displays, this festival also features several performances including yosakoi dance, taiko drums and the Japanese traditional art of comical storytelling, rakugo. Traditional summer kimono dress "yukata" rentals are available along with the chance to experience getting your hair done in typical Taisho style!