Guide
Kuki Teito Matsuri (also known as the Kuki Teito Matsuri "Tenno-sama") is a deeply rooted traditional festival boasting over 230 years of history. This event takes place twice a year on July 12 and July 18 around the Kuki Station West Exit area. The most striking feature is the dramatic transformation of the festival floats between day and night, offering a profound glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage.
The true charm of this festival lies in the metamorphosis of the "Dashi" (festival floats). During the daytime, the floats are elaborately decorated with figures representing mythological characters, parading through the streets with a powerful presence. These figures are precious cultural artifacts that carry the weight of history.
As evening falls, the festival reaches its climax. The mythological figures are replaced, and approximately 500 lanterns (chochin) are mounted on all four sides of the floats. The transformation into a "Teito Dashi" (lantern float) is breathtaking. Watching these illuminated floats weave through the dark streets creates a magical atmosphere, blending the glow of countless lanterns with the vibrant energy of a Japanese summer night.
The festival is held twice a year on the following dates:
The event is held around the Kuki Station West Exit area.
This is a dynamic event featuring large, moving floats. The nighttime lantern procession is highly photogenic, but expect heavy crowds; please be mindful of others while taking photos. As the procession moves through streets at night, please watch your step and stay aware of your surroundings.
If you plan to enjoy the nighttime procession, we recommend comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the evening temperature. Since traffic restrictions are in place, using public transport (JR or Tobu lines) is the most convenient option. We recommend checking local announcements for any specific updates regarding the event.