Kihoku Toro Matsuri (Lantern Festival)

About

At Kii-Nagashima Port in Kihoku each summer, giant lanterns floating on the water go head to head with fireworks in the sky. People from in and around the town gather night after night to build the lanterns, which have earned the nickname "Nebuta of the sea." The festival is said to have begun in 1928, when hundreds of lanterns shaped like birds were floated on the Akaba River to open the river season. Youth groups later competed with lit-up, moving lanterns, but as young people dwindled the event ended in 1974. In 1987, young members of the local commerce association brought it back to lift the town's spirits, in today's form of big lanterns on the bay pitted against fireworks. Stage events start in the late afternoon, with fireworks after dark. It is about a 15- to 20-minute walk from JR Kii-Nagashima Station.

Sources

• OfficialKihoku Toro Matsuri Executive Committee touroumaturi.com
• OfficialMie Tourism Federation (Kanko Mie) www.kankomie.or.jp

Last checked: Oct 11, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.

Other events this month

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• Ise Jingu Offering National Fireworks Competition
• Shirongo Matsuri