Lanterns, Drums, and Fireworks: A Dazzling Summer Night at the Yonago Gaina Festival

Yonago Gaina Festival

Celebrate 40 Years of Light and Tradition in Tottori

Every summer, the skies of western Japan glow with color and celebration at the Yonago Gaina Festival in Tottori Prefecture. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this beloved local event, which draws nearly 200,000 visitors over two vibrant days. Rooted in community spirit and tradition, the festival offers an unforgettable blend of heritage, art, and summer excitement.

The Gaina Mantō: A Lantern Procession of Dreams

At the heart of the Yonago Gaina Festival is the Gaina Mantō—an enchanting lantern procession that lights up the streets of Yonago City. What began as a grassroots effort to revive local traditions has grown into a spectacular performance, where glowing lanterns float through the night, each carrying the wishes and memories of those who came before.

This moving spectacle is more than just visual beauty—it’s a reflection of the region’s cultural legacy. Families, performers, and locals join in to honor their history, keeping the spirit of the festival alive for future generations.

Drums, Dance, and an Epic Fireworks Finale

Yonago Gaina Festival

The Yonago Gaina Festival is a feast for the senses. During the two-day celebration, you'll witness energetic Gaina Taiko drum performances that echo through the streets, stirring both the crowd and the soul. Traditional dances and stage shows add to the vibrant atmosphere, creating a non-stop rhythm of celebration.

On the final night, the sky becomes the stage for a breathtaking fireworks display. Starting at 8:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, the 30-minute show lights up Yonago’s summer sky in a cascade of color and sound—a perfect grand finale to a weekend of joy and tradition.

Easy Access, Deep Cultural Rewards

Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Yonago Station, the festival is easy to reach and well worth the journey. Events take place across key spots in Yonago City, including the bustling Yonago Station Front Street and the scenic Minatoyama Park.

Whether you're a returning visitor or experiencing it for the first time, the Yonago Gaina Festival invites you to be part of a unique celebration where tradition, community, and spectacle come together in perfect harmony.

Yonago Gaina Festival

Event Dates: Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10

Fireworks Display: Sunday, August 10 from 8:00 PM
Location: Yonago City – Yonago Station Front Street, Minatoyama Park, and surrounding areas
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from JR Yonago Station
More Information: http://gainamatsuri.net/

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