Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival柳井金魚ちょうちん祭り

This summer festival is centered around the indigenous folk art of "Goldfish Lanterns." Its standout attraction is the "Goldfish Nebuta," a grand procession that energetically winds its way through the festival grounds. The venue is adorned with approximately 4,000 meticulously decorated goldfish lanterns, with around 2,500 of them radiantly illuminated. The gentle glow emanating from these goldfish lanterns casts a spellbinding and picturesque aura over the charming white-walled townscape.

The festival made its debut in 1992, during the month of August, coinciding with "Hometown Day." In the second edition of the "Goldfish Lantern Festival" in 1995, the awe-inspiring "Goldfish Nebuta" floats made their first appearance, accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display. With each passing year, the festival has evolved, introducing new elements like the Goldfish Nebuta's spirited sprint along the main street, an engaging stamp rally, and the introduction of Goldfish Lantern balloons. In 2011, as the Goldfish Lantern Festival marked its 20th anniversary, it underwent a name change to "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival," expanding its reach beyond the city. This festival has since become a prominent summer event in Yanai.