Usuki Takeyoi Festival: A Celebration of Light, Legend, and Community

This year, the Usuki Takeyoi Festival will be held on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2.

Held annually on the first weekend of November in Usuki City, the Usuki Takeyoi Festival is a magical autumn event that transforms the historic castle town into a mesmerizing landscape of light.

The festival features over 20,000 bamboo lanterns lining the streets, casting a gentle light over samurai residences, merchant homes, temples, and stone-paved alleys. The soft illumination creates an atmosphere of warmth, reverence, and wonder.

At the heart of Usuki’s Takeyoi Festival lies the poignant legend of Hannya-hime, the beloved daughter of Mana Choja, a wealthy noble credited with commissioning the Usuki Stone Buddhas. According to local lore, Hannya-hime was sent to the capital (Kyoto) for marriage, but she tragically passed away far from her hometown.

Each year, during the Takeyoi Festival, her spirit is said to return to Usuki, carried gently across the sea in a ceremonial boat. This homecoming is symbolized by the Hannya-hime Procession, a solemn and luminous ritual in which her spirit is welcomed back to the town. The procession begins at Yasaka Shrine and winds through the lantern-lit streets, accompanied by the sacred Tama-ebako—a jewel box believed to hold her spirit.

Throughout the festival grounds, visitors encounter intricate bamboo sculptures crafted by local artisans and community groups. These installations range from delicate floral motifs to towering abstract forms, showcasing Usuki’s creativity and craftsmanship.

Key viewing spots include the Nioza Historical Road, Tofuku-ji Temple steps, and the Inaba Family’s Former Residence, all beautifully adorned with lanterns and bamboo art.

Beyond its spiritual roots, the Takeyoi Festival is a vibrant cultural event. Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and local food stalls offering seasonal delicacies.

The Takeyoi Festival is more than a visual spectacle—it is a community-wide expression of tradition, storytelling, and seasonal beauty.

We warmly invite you to experience this magical celebration in person—walk the lantern-lit streets, feel the spirit of Hannya-hime, and discover the timeless beauty of Usuki.