Yamaga Onsen & Lantern Festival

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

onsenlantern festivaltraditional townYamagaalkaline water

Yamaga Onsen is a 1,800-year-old hot spring town in northern Kumamoto with alkaline waters (pH 9.5) that leave skin feeling silky. The town's preservation district contains Edo-period machiya townhouses, several converted into public bathhouses. Sakura-yu, the town's symbol, is a two-story wooden bathhouse built in 1870 that operated until 1973 and is now a museum (free bathing ended, ¥300 to view interior).

The Yamaga Toro Matsuri (August 15–16) is one of Kyushu's most beautiful festivals — 1,000 women wearing yukata and gold paper lanterns on their heads dance through the streets in synchronized formations, accompanied by traditional songs.

Opening Hours

Public baths 6:00–22:00. Sakura-yu museum 9:00–18:00.

Closed: Open year-round. Sakura-yu closed Tuesdays.

Entrance Fee

Public baths ¥300–500. Sakura-yu museum ¥300. Lantern festival free (street event).

Best Season

August 15–16 for Toro Matsuri lantern festival (1,000 dancers at 20:00); year-round for alkaline onsen bathing

Visit Duration

3–4 hours for bathhouse visit, Sakura-yu museum, and town walk; full day for festival

Getting There

Access Information

Yamaga City, 1 hour by bus from Kumamoto Station. Public baths: ¥300–500. Sakura-yu: 9:00–18:00, ¥300 viewing. Festival: August 15-16 annually.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Lantern-making workshop:** The Yamaga Lantern Museum offers 90-minute workshops (¥1,500) to make miniature gold lanterns using washi paper and bamboo — the same technique used for festival lanterns.