Yamaga Lantern Festival

Every August 15 and 16, Yamaga holds one of Kumamoto's largest summer festivals, drawing over 100,000 visitors. The event honors Emperor Keiko, who according to legend was guided through the Kikuchi River valley by torchlight from local villagers. Craftspeople trained in a Shinto purification ritual build hollow washi paper lanterns, including elaborate castle and shrine shapes, using no wood or metal. The festival's centerpiece is the Sennin Toro Odori, a synchronized dance by roughly 1,000 women who balance golden lanterns on their heads while taiko drums beat.