Dai-Chochin Matsuri - Giant Lantern Festival

This festival features enormous chochin (paper lanterns), also known as "amazingly gigantic lanterns," which measure over 5 meters in diameter and 10 meters in length.

The most exciting scene of the festival is when gigantic 1-meter tall candles are lit inside the enormous chochin lanterns. Spectators also experience a pleasant sense of excitement as if witnessing a historic scene.

Myths, legends and a party atmosphere
Each of the lanterns, some as tall as 10 meters, is decorated with colorful scenes from Japanese myths and legends. As the lanterns are lit, each tale come to life amid the vibrant party atmosphere.

Magic lamps
Although the festival is in full swing throughout the day, the real magic happens at dusk when meter-tall candles are hoisted into giant lanterns.

With its origins in a Shinto practice to ward off sea demons, you can witness how the festival has grown and incorporated its history into a spellbinding demonstration of local artistry.

Don't Miss
Seeing meter-tall candles being lit inside the giant lanterns
The artistically depicted stories painted on the lanterns

Dai-Chochin Matsuri - Giant Lantern Festival

Date: 26 & 27 August every year
Venue: Chita Bay in Aichi Prefecture
Access: From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Nishiosen Line to Nishio. From there, it is a 20-minute bus ride.

Website: www.japan.travel