The Tobata Gion Oyamagasa, affectionately known as “Lantern Mountain,” is a shrine festival that has been held for over 200 years. It takes place over three days around the fourth Saturday of July each year. Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival is characterized by its transformation from the daytime Noboriyama floats to the nighttime Chochinyama floats. During the day, eight floats with banners parade through the streets, and at night, each float transforms into a pyramid of light, with 12 tiers and 309 lanterns lit by candles. On the evening of the second day, a competition is held where about 80 men carry each float while chanting “Yoitosa.”
• 7/26 (Fri.) ~ 7/28 (Sun.)
• Main procession on 7/27 (Sat.): 18:30~21:00
• Free viewing (paid seating is available)
• In front of Tobata Ward Office and surrounding areas
• 1-1-1 Senbo, Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• http://tobatagion.jp/