For much of the year, the town of Yamaga lies in relative slumber in the mountains of Kumamoto prefecture. While its summer Obon festival has drawn massive crowds for years, the decade-old Toro Roman Matsuri (Winter Lantern Festival) is starting to generate its own solid following. Bamboo luminaries and delicate washi paper umbrellas in hues of red, white and deep purple line the streets of Yamaga's old town, creating an ethereal experience on cold February evenings. Glowing paths lead down side alleys to hidden shrines ablaze with candles. Young girls perform traditional numbers on an open-air stage in the middle of town and the beautifully-restored Yachiyo-za theater holds encore performances of the famous summer dances.
- 1 min read
Yamaga Toro Roman Festival
Lighting up the winter nights in Kumamoto Prefecture
By Mandy Bartok
Community writer
Join the discussion
The 2015 Yamaga Toro Roman Winter Festival is now lighting up the cold Kyushu nights! The festival runs on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the month of February.
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Haneda Airport Ranked World's Cleanest
Transportation -
2
Tokyo Takes 2nd Place on Top Coffee Cities List
Food -
3
Yuranza
Culture - Sponsored -
4
Sapporo Beer Opens New Brewery in Tokyo’s Ebisu
News -
5
Tokyo One of the World's Most Walkable Cities
Transportation -
6
2024 Grand Sumo Tournaments
Culture -
7
Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route to Link with Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
News -
8
Guide to Golden Week
Planning -
9
Valley of Witches: a New Ghibli Park Attraction
Aichi -
10
Mount Omuro
Shizuoka
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
4
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
5
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
8
Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
9
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
10
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide