Yohtaka Andon Festival
Massive 5-ton Lanterns Clash in a Thunderous Summer Spectacle
Experience Hokkaido’s only “Fighting Lantern” festival, where towering 7-meter structures light up the night and deliver an impact you can feel deep in your body.
Against the pitch-black sky, more than a dozen lanterns glow in vivid color. These massive andon (paper lanterns), some stretching up to 12 meters long and weighing as much as 5 tons, create a dreamlike scene as light flickers through intricately painted washi paper.
As the festival reaches its climax, the atmosphere shifts—the “Butsuke-ai” (clash) begins. Two giant lanterns charge head-on, colliding with a thunderous roar. The ground trembles beneath you as the impact echoes through your chest. The scent of charred paper, the powerful chants of the pullers, and the energy of the crowd fuse into an unforgettable, immersive experience.
Introduced to Numata in 1977 through ties with Oyabe City in Toyama Prefecture, this tradition traces back some 350 years. Today, it stands as one of Hokkaido’s three major lantern festivals—a moment where history, energy, and raw power converge.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- * The event information is based on the dates and content of the most recently held events. Please check the official website for details as the contents are subject to change.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Event period
- 2026/8/21-8/22
- Event venue
- Numata town
- Address
- 北海道雨竜郡沼田町
- Telephone Number
- 0164-34-6373（Numata Town Tourism Association）
- Car Park
- 2,000 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●On foot: About 3 minutes from JR Ishikari Numata Station
●By car: About 5 minutes from Fukagawa-Rumoi Expwy Numata IC - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
