Yohtaka Andon Festival 2023 - Hokkaido

The Yohtaka Andon Festival (夜高あんどん祭り) of Numata is one of Hokkaido’s most popular summer festivals. This event is held every fourth Friday and Saturday of August in the town center of Numata.

Yohtaka Andon Festival

Yohtaka Andon Festival Details

The Yohtaka Andon Festival in Numata is a must-see summer spectacle and one of Hokkaido’s three major andon (paper lantern) festivals. This vibrant event lights up the warm summer evenings with towering and beautifully designed lanterns parading through the city streets. It is a celebration of art, tradition, and community spirit, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.

Yohtaka Andon Festival - Numata town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Tradition Rooted in History

The festival traces its origins back 350 years to the village of Tonami in Etchu, where a procession welcoming the deity of Ise Jingu inspired the practice of carrying lanterns to illuminate the deity's path. This tradition found its way to Numata, Hokkaido, in 1977, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Matsumoto and volunteers from Tsuzawa. The event honors the town's pioneering founder, Numata Kisaburo, blending history with modern festivity.

Numata Yohtaka Andon Festival 2023 Poster

Numata Yohtaka Andon Festival Floats

The Parade: A Dazzling Display of Craftsmanship

As the sun sets, the festival kicks off with a parade featuring magnificent andon lanterns that tower an impressive 7 meters high, stretch 12 meters long, and weigh up to 5 tons. These paper lanterns, intricately crafted with vibrant designs, illuminate the streets with their warm glow, enchanting onlookers with their beauty. The parade is a feast for the senses, capturing the magic of summer in Hokkaido.

Battle Royale of Lanterns Photos

The Battle Royale of Lanterns

The highlight of the Yohtaka Andon Festival is the dramatic “battle royale” of the lanterns. In this thrilling spectacle, five colossal andons collide in a fierce battle, crashing into each other until they are reduced to rubble. This symbolic destruction is believed to ward off evil spirits, ushering in good fortune for the community. The energy of the crowd and the sight of these monumental lanterns in action create a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Team Nicerio attends the Yohtaka Andon Festival

On August 26, 2023, my family and I had the opportunity to attend the 2023 Yohtaka Andon Festival, marking my 663rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This unforgettable experience was made even more special as it was our first time witnessing this spectacular festival. Adding to the excitement, I was chosen to climb onto one of the andon lanterns when they called for foreign visitors. As a token of the occasion, I was gifted a paper lantern keepsake, which I still cherish today. I look forward to experiencing this extraordinary festival again in the future.

When is the Yohtaka Andon Festival Held?

This event is held every fourth Friday and Saturday of August in the town center of Numata.

Why Visit the Yohtaka Andon Festival?

The Yohtaka Andon Festival offers a unique blend of history, culture, and excitement, setting it apart from other festivals in Hokkaido. Visitors are drawn to the grandeur of the massive lanterns, the artistry of their designs, and the electrifying atmosphere of the battle royale. It’s an event that celebrates community pride while inviting people from all over to join in its rich traditions.

Getting to Numata

 

The best way to reach Numata and attend this festival is by rental car, as the event is held at night. However, if you plan to go by private transportation, this is what I'm familiar with:

From Fukagawa Station, board the Rumoi Line - Local Ishikari-Numata. Board down at Ishikari-Numata Station and walk to the festival venue area.

Travel time: 17 minutes

Fare: 360 yen

Update: JR Hokkaido has announced that the Fukagawa-Ishikari Numata section will officially cease operations on March 31, 2026.