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The 30th Usuki Takeyoi Bamboo Lantern Festival (第30回うすき竹宵) takes place on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 2026, around Nioza in central Usuki, Oita Prefecture. Bamboo lanterns, decorative installations and a procession inspired by a local legend are the main draws.
Check the official Usuki Takeyoi visitor information
Dates and festival location
| Event | 30th Usuki Takeyoi Bamboo Lantern Festival |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 7–8, 2026, Saturday and Sunday |
| Location | Around Nioza, central Usuki |
| Address | Nioza, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, Japan |
| Organizer | Usuki Takeyoi Executive Committee |
| Rail access | About a 10-minute walk from JR Usuki Station |
| Hours and admission | Lighting times and admission charges are not specified in the information available for this article. Check the official programme. |
Nioza is the main area named in the official announcement. Other activities may take place at different times and locations, so use the programme for the specific displays or procession you want to see.
Lantern displays and the Princess Hannya procession
Bamboo lanterns are at the heart of Takeyoi, accompanied by decorative installations. If the illuminated displays are your main reason for going, confirm the lighting schedule before setting your train times: the festival dates alone do not tell you when the lanterns will be lit.
The Princess Hannya procession draws on the local Mana no Choja legend. Its timing and route are not included in the supplied information. Anyone hoping to watch it should check those details separately rather than assume it will pass through every lantern display area.
There are also other activities across Usuki. Choose the ones you most want to see once the detailed programme is available, then plan your walk between their locations.
Getting there and parking
JR Usuki Station is approximately 10 minutes away on foot from the festival area. Heavy crowds are expected, and visitors are encouraged to use public transport where possible. Check your return train before heading out, especially if you plan to stay for the illuminated displays.
Temporary parking locations
The visitor information lists 1,500 parking spaces and the following temporary parking sites. This does not guarantee a space on arrival; check the official guidance for parking arrangements.
| Listed temporary parking site |
|---|
| Usuki City General Park |
| Usuki City Infrastructure Development and Disaster Support Center |
| City Hall |
| Municipal Sports Ground |
| Central Community Center |
| JA Oita Usuki Central Branch |
If this is part of a longer Kyushu trip, our guide to JAL’s Kyushu flight-and-hotel campaign is a separate planning resource. Check its booking and travel conditions before relying on it for these festival dates.
What to check before travelling
The most useful final check is the official festival information page. Look for:
- Lantern lighting times: these are not specified in the information available here.
- Procession details: confirm the Princess Hannya procession’s time and route.
- Admission: do not assume the festival or every individual activity is free.
- Weather arrangements: the supplied information does not state what happens in rain.
- Parking instructions: confirm which listed sites to use and any applicable conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Usuki Takeyoi festival?
- The 30th festival takes place on November 7–8, 2026. Individual activities may have different times and venues.
- How do I get there from JR Usuki Station?
- The festival area around Nioza in central Usuki is approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Usuki Station.
- Is admission free?
- Admission charges are not specified in the information available for this article. Check the official festival information before visiting.
- What time are the lanterns lit?
- The lighting times are not specified in the information available for this article. Check the official programme before planning your arrival.
- Will the festival go ahead in rain?
- Rain arrangements are not specified in the information available for this article. Check the official website for updates before travelling.
Plan your next day out
See what else is on that day, that month and in the same area on our event calendar.
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