Visit Nara

Held annually on July 16, this festival prays to the local deities for good harvests and the health and well-being of families. The various communities of parishioners build lantern towers that they carry through the streets at night in a glowing parade. These “Susuki Chochin” are up to two and a half meters tall with lanterns hanging in three rows. Some say the lanterns resemble an ear of the rice.