Yamaguchi, Japan Dec. 21 Sat 5:29PM
Japan is known for some amazing festivals all over the country and Yamagata Prefecture is no exception. Festivals are a big part of Japanese culture, and a fun and eye-opening way to experience some cultural traditions. Not only can you experience festivities specific to the region, but there are often also many delicious Japanese foods to enjoy as well as some traditional games to try out as well.
The Tanabata Chochin Festival in Yamaguchi Prefecture might just be one of the most picture perfect lantern festivals in Japan. Each year, on August 6th and 7th, Yamaguchi Prefecture goes above and beyond with giant floats with bright red lanterns, and hundreds more lighting up the city. Come nightfall, the city glows a warm red hue as the lanterns illuminate like charming red orbs against the dark sky. The most famous and most photographed spot of the festival is the tunnel of red lanterns formed due to the many lanterns hanging on bamboo sticks that bend inwards forming a whimsical tunnel to walk through.
Since this festival is a Tanabata festival, the star festival also celebrates the legend or celestial couple Orihime and Hikoboshi who are said to come together on this date. The "Chochin" in the festival name refers to the traditional red lantern that is seen all throughout during this festival.
This festival has been occurring annually for hundreds of years and has become a tradition of the Yamaguchi Prefecture.
