Latest Events in Kumamoto Prefecture(August Updated)

The Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu's most popular summer events, illuminating the entire town of Yamaga with magical lights. Women in yukatas, with golden lanterns on their heads, dance gracefully to the light and sensual melody of "Yohehobushi." Spend two days enjoying the magnificent views of the old town and the lights. Try to get thoroughly drunk.

Every year on August 23rd and 24th, Uto City hosts the grand Utojizo Festival, one of Higo's three major summer festivals, along with the Kawajiri Nobutoru Festival and the Yamaga Lantern Festival. On the day of the festival, statues of Jizo Bodhisattva from each neighborhood are carried to the roadside and meticulously decorated by the town's children. At night, candles are lit, and children beat gongs and drums, chanting, "Namo Jizo Daibutsu, please give me some money!" Each neighborhood also displays a large number of "tsukunimono" along the roadside. These large-scale crafts feature themes such as historical figures, animals, social satires, and story scenes, and compete in craftsmanship and ornateness.

The annual festival of Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine has a history of more than 1,000 years, and has been known as the largest annual festival in Higo (Kumamoto) since ancient times. The festival originated from the "Hojo-kai", but it is still affectionately called "Zuibyou" by people. It is called Hojo-kai because before the Meiji era, when the decree on the separation of Shinto and Buddhism was promulgated and Buddhist activities were temporarily abolished, the annual festival of Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine was also called Hojo-kai, and now only this name is retained. The annual routine festival includes the "First Day Festival", "Second Day Festival", "Offering Ceremony", "Shinkoshiki" and "Offering Ceremony", which lasts for five days and five nights, and traditional Shinto rituals and festivals with a long history are held. In addition, various activities such as tea ceremony, waka, haiku, flower offering, Shinmachi lion floats, town floats, children's portable shrines, sacred horses, and decorated horses are held in the shrine.

The 53rd Wasui-cho Kofun Festival was held on September 26th and 27th, 2026, in the area surrounding Eda-Funayama Kofun Park. A highlight of the festival was the "Fire Festival," featuring a torch procession in ancient costumes and dances by fire priests, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The festival concluded with approximately 2,000 fireworks.

Yashiro, located in southern Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, is famous for its annual fireworks festival. Every year on the third Saturday of October, the Yashiro Fireworks Festival presents Japan's highest level of "light and sound art," with unparalleled light, sound, and color effects created by Japan's top pyrotechnicians. From Akita in the north to Kagoshima in the south, fireworks makers from all over Japan gather to compete in this fireworks festival. This year marks the 39th edition, held at the Kyuukawa Green Space in Yashiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Attracting over 200,000 attendees annually, the festival features not only competitive fireworks such as No. 5 and No. 10 balls and sparklers, but also opening ceremony fireworks, synchronized musical fireworks, and sponsored fireworks, illuminating the night sky for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. In addition, the festival includes product exhibitions and food stalls, allowing you to not only enjoy the fireworks but also experience the local charm.

Join us in sacred circle to work with naturally foraged and hand dyed fibres. This practice of sitting in circle, creating and being in deep solitude with self is such an enriching experience! Come laugh, share stories and bring home a small handwoven basket filled with the space you honoured for you. ........................................................ Tweed River Retreat Nestled in the hills of Uki at the foothills of Mt Wollumbin, this 300 acre farm land and rainforest is welcomed with the meeting of the Doon Doon and Tweed River. The space is home to a rich environment. Our Weaving Circle will be held at the Tweed River Retreat surrounded by flourishing mountain ranges and the flowing river. It is a brief drive to the venue from Uki, stop at the local shops to use amenities or grab lunch. To Bring • Rug, Cushion or Chair (anything for your comfort) • Water bottle • Swimmers for a quick dip! • A special decoration (feather, shell etc) • & a smile! Extras • All ages • Knowledge holders or Beginners • All materials provided Information Source: SpiralSisters | eventbrite