Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture, hosts its annual Tenku no Fuyajo, or "Lantern Castle in the Sky," festival, showcasing Japan's tallest castle-shaped lantern floats, notably the 24.1-meter "Chikasue." This ancient tradition, which had been dormant for centuries, made a spectacular return in 2013, transforming the city's streets into a vibrant display of illuminated giants.
The festival's origins date back over 1,000 years, with historical records indicating that large castle-shaped lanterns were paraded during the Edo period. However, the tradition of these towering floats was curtailed for decades due to the installation of overhead power lines. Following an initiative in 2012 to bury these cables, the grand spectacle was reinstated, allowing the city to reclaim its unique cultural heritage.
The centerpiece of the Noshiro Tanabata festival is the "Chikasue" float, which stands at an impressive 24.1 meters, making it the tallest castle-shaped lantern in Japan. Accompanying it is the 17.6-meter "Karoku" float, named after the carpenter Miyakoshi Karoku, who first created castle-shaped lanterns in the Edo period. As a recent social media post observed, Noshiro City "doesn’t do subtle," with its floats creating a "parade of skyscrapers on wheels."
The revival in 2013 marked a significant milestone for the festival, which had been absent for over a century. The event, held annually in early August, allows attendees to experience the floats up close. The finale offers opportunities for "selfies that make you look like an ant," according to a tweet by Mario Nawfal. The procession is accompanied by traditional music from taiko drums and flutes, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
The Noshiro Tenku no Fuyajo festival is a source of immense local pride and a key driver for tourism in the region. It highlights regional identity and involves broad community participation, including local junior high students who help carry and build smaller lanterns. The festival's success has also drawn attention to Akita Prefecture, which hosts other notable summer festivals like the Akita Kanto Festival, further solidifying its cultural appeal.