A magical summer evening beneath red-and-white goldfish lanterns, unique to Yanai
About this spot
The Yanai Goldfish-Lantern Festival, held August 13, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, unfolds across the white-wall townscape and Reitoro-dori area, designated as a nationally important preservation district for traditional buildings. Yanai's traditional craft, the goldfish lantern, hangs from every eave, casting soft light as twilight falls—a quiet, magical beauty unlike other fireworks or taiko-drum summer festivals. The nighttime vista of white storehouses and red-and-white lanterns is a summer spectacle not to be missed when visiting Yanai.
Fireworks details
Name: 柳井金魚ちょうちん祭り
Date & time: 8/13 (Thu) 16:30–21:00
Venue: 柳井市・白壁の町並み〜麗都路通り一帯
Tips
With a limited run from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, arrive with time to spare. The white-wall streets narrow in places and grow crowded after dusk, so families with young children should stay close together.
Best time to visit
The period just after 4:30 PM and after 6:00 PM when darkness falls each offer distinctly different atmospheres.
Access & map
Yanai City, Yamagata Prefecture, white-wall townscape and Reitoro-dori area
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Yanai Goldfish-Lantern Festival Full-Day Experience Course
Yamaguchi
Explore features & model courses
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