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Dreamy Autumn Festival: Hakata Tomyou Lantern Arts Festival

Every October, Hakata Toumyou Lantern Arts Festival lights up the town against night skies. Inspired by votive lights offered at shrines and temples for prayers, the festival first started in 1994. During the festival, tens of thousands of lanterns are lit on streets that still retain their old charm, as well as shrines and temples in the Hakata area, creating a dreamy sight. From higher up, you can see large, powerful pictures “drawn” with lantern lights. This event, handcrafted by local residents and children, has become a major event, synonymous with autumn in Hakata. Hakata Toumyou Lantern Arts Festival reminds you of the Hakata of old days, a departure from Fukuoka’s urban landscape. The festival lasts only about three hours till the candles burn out. Don’t miss it.