Fukiya Bengara Akari

Fukiya Bengara Akari

Fukiya Bengara Akari takes place each year on the third Saturday and Sunday of September. On Saturday, at sunset, dozens of lanterns are lit with the help of visitors. They are all hand-made bengara potteries with unique patterns, and their faint light becomes brighter as the sky darkens, creating a fantasy-like scenery in the heart of the historic district known for its red houses.

At the beginning, there was no music or dancing during the event. In

2010, a singer born in Fukiya district wanted to express the charms of her hometown in music and composed a Japanese folk song (min’yo) titled Fukiya Kouta. Then, in 2012, a choregrapher imagined a dance, and a troupe were created. Since its formation, the Fukiya Kouta Odori Dance Troupe has danced each year during Fukiya Bengara Akari.

Women wear yukata (casual kimono) and men sashes that are bengara-dyed. The troupe moves forward slowly among the red houses while dancing to the rythm of the music, shamisen and shakuhachi. Enjoy the dream-like atmosphere created by the music, dancing, and the lanterns’ flickering flames. There is also an abundance of amazing food stalls!

Due to the weather, Fukiya Bengara Akari has been delayed and will be held for only one day on 2019 October 26th. (from 5pm)