The Aizu-Wakamatsu Lantern Festival takes place during the Obon season in August, when thousands of paper lanterns are lit along the city’s historic streets and around Tsurugajo Castle to honour ancestral spirits, a Buddhist tradition observed across Japan but given a particularly atmospheric setting here. As dusk falls, the warm glow of the lanterns against the castle backdrop and old townscape creates one of Fukushima’s most photogenic summer scenes, accompanied by traditional bon-odori folk dancing in the streets.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima |
| Hours | Evening, mid-August (Obon season) |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Peak Obon week, after sunset |
What to See
- Thousands of paper lanterns lighting historic streets.
- Illuminated views of Tsurugajo Castle at dusk.
- Traditional bon-odori folk dancing.
- A warm, atmospheric evening walk through old Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Tsurugajo Castle daytime sightseeing.
- Pair with Higashiyama Onsen for an overnight stay.
- Read our Fukushima overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR/Aizu Railway to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
- By bus: Haikara-san loop bus to the castle and old town area.
Tips
Arrive around sunset to see the transition from daylight to lantern-lit streets. Check exact festival dates, as Obon timing can shift slightly year to year.
