Over 100 Years
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Tohoku
Noshiro Tanabata “Tenku-no-Fuyajou” is a festival that began in 2013. However, the Noshiro region had a traditional summer Tanabata festival from the old days. It is said that people used to pull a castle-shaped lantern float (Toro) decorated with gigantic shachi (mythical animal with a head of a tiger and the body of a carp) all across the town. According to historical text, a Nagoya Castle-shaped lantern float was made more than 100 years ago during the Tempo era, and due to its popularity with citizens that this 17.6m tall Toro was paraded across town till dawn.
As a result of modernization, electrical wires were laid throughout the city limiting the height of the Toro. 7 to 8m tall floats were pulled in recent years, but the burying of electrical wires have allowed massive Toros to parade again. In 2013, a 17.6m tall giant Toro, named "Karoku", was carefully replicated based on old pictures and texts, reviving it after a whole century. In 2014, "Chikasue", a 24.1m high and tallest Toro in Japan was completed. These Toros among others parade the town on the day of the festival, bringing an exciting summer experience to Noshiro.
The biggest highlight of this festival are the 24.1m and 17.6m tall two massive castle-shaped lanterns. The citizens parade through town along with a few other floats, playing festival chants with taiko drums and flutes. We wish for you to experience this unique Japanese summer festival, while viewing these delicately built Toros and mingling with the local people.
Prior reservation required for participating in pulling the Toro. Joining the procession on the day of the event is prohibited.
Please view from the sidewalk without obstructing the parade. You may take pictures from up-close during the "fureai time" held mid-procession.
Access to Noshiro City
[nearest station]
Noshiro Station, JR Gono Line
Festival Location
From Noshiro City Office to Torimachi (via route 101)
*Approximately 15 min walk from Noshiro Station
*Fixed route buses are not available on the day of the festival due to traffic control
