Held on the first weekend of November, the Tsumago Chōchin Matsuri (Lantern Festival) transforms the already atmospheric Edo-period post town of Tsumago-juku into a glowing scene of history and autumn colour after nightfall. Hundreds of handmade paper lanterns are hung along the main street and placed in front of each historic honjin and merchant house, complementing the peak autumn foliage that frames the preserved streetscape. The event draws photographers and cultural travellers from across Japan who combine the lantern evening with daytime trekking on the Nakasendō forest trail. Local residents in period costume and traditional music performances add further festive atmosphere throughout the evening.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Early November
- Region
- Chubu
- Prefecture
- Nagano
- City
- Nagiso
Highlights
- ◆Hundreds of handmade paper lanterns illuminating a UNESCO-class post town
- ◆Peak autumn maple foliage as natural backdrop to lantern glow
- ◆Residents in Edo-period costume and traditional music performances
- ◆Combines perfectly with daytime Nakasendō autumn forest trekking
- ◆One of Nagano's most photogenic and intimate autumn evening events