Yamaga Toro Festival: Kumamoto's Fire Festival with Washi Paper Lanterns Danced on Heads

Yamaga Toro Festival: A Fantastical Festival Dancing with Lanterns on Heads

"Yamaga Toro Festival" held in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture on August 15–16 annually is a rare traditional Japanese festival where women dance with "Yamaga Toro (Yamaga lanterns)" on their heads. Designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, "Sennin Toro Odori (Thousand Person Lantern Dance)" is particularly famous.

Characteristics of Yamaga Lanterns

Yamaga lanterns are elaborate crafts made only from gold paper and Japanese paper. Lanterns weighing approximately 400 grams made without any adhesive, metal, or wood are placed on the head to dance. Also designated as a Kumamoto Prefecture traditional craft, it is a craft where artisans' advanced techniques shine.

Thousand Person Lantern Dance

"Sennin Toro Odori" held on the night of August 16 in central Yamaga City is a fantastical event where approximately 1,000 women in yukata dance in circles with lanterns on their heads. The sight of dancing with only lantern light after lights around the venue are extinguished has breathtaking beauty.

Yamaga Onsen

Yamaga City is also famous for "Yamaga Onsen." Sodium bicarbonate spring water springs throughout the city, with many ryokan and public bath facilities.

Access

Approximately 1 hour by bus from central Kumamoto. Or approximately 45 minutes by car. Traffic restrictions and congestion are expected during the festival period.