Usuki Takeyoi 2026: Oita’s Bamboo Lantern Nights
Kyushu-Okinawa · OitaIllumination
Around twenty thousand candlelit bamboo lanterns turn a preserved castle town into a river of soft light.
Overview
Usuki Takeyoi is an autumn lantern festival that bathes the historic castle town of Usuki, on Oita’s southeast coast, in candlelight. Some twenty thousand takeakari—bamboo tubes with candles set inside—line the old lanes, glowing against samurai residences, merchant houses and temples. Intricate bamboo sculptures made by residents add to the spectacle, and a costumed procession brings a local legend to life.
When & Where
The festival is held over a weekend at the start of November, with lanterns lit from roughly 17:00 to 21:00; the 2025 edition ran on November 1 and 2, and the 2026 dates fall on the first weekend of November—confirm the exact days with the organizer before travelling. The main venues are the Nioza district and the Hachiman-dori area of Usuki. Nearest station: JR Usuki (Nippo Main Line).
Getting There
Usuki is on the JR Nippo Main Line, and the festival area is about a 20-minute walk from Usuki Station; shuttle buses also run from outlying car parks and the Usuki Stone Buddhas parking area during the event. From Oita, local trains reach Usuki in well under an hour. Evenings are cool, so bring a light jacket for wandering the lantern-lit streets.
What to Expect
The most photogenic spots include the Nioza Historical Road, where lanterns carpet the stone-paved slope, and the steps and approach of the town’s old temples. Scattered among them are elaborate bamboo art pieces lit from within. The Hannya-Hime Procession, a reenactment drawn from the ancient Mana Choja legend, adds a stately, costumed highlight to the evening.
Tickets & Access
Admission is free and no ticket is required; the festival is held even in light rain. Facilities are those of a small town, so plan around limited parking by using the shuttle buses. Check the Usuki tourism association for the confirmed 2026 dates and any schedule changes.
Tips for Visitors
Go on foot and take your time along the Nioza slope, the festival’s signature view, ideally after full dark when the candlelight is strongest. Wear comfortable shoes for the stone paving and a warm layer for the November night. Pair the trip with daytime sights like the Usuki Stone Buddhas.
Access and Map
| Dates | First weekend of November 2026 (2025 edition Nov 1–2; confirm exact dates); lanterns lit approx. 17:00–21:00 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Nioza district and Hachiman-dori area, Usuki City, Oita |
| Access | About 20 min walk from JR Usuki Station (Nippo Main Line); shuttle buses available |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Visit Oita (Oita Prefecture Official Tourism) |
Source: Visit Oita (Oita Prefecture Official Tourism)
Image: Image to be added by editor.
