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Dec 11, 2014 - 1 min read

Kiyomizu Bamboo Light Festival

Illumination in Autumn

By Bradford Pomeroy

Community writer

A closeup of the tops of bamboo lanterns.

An orange statue of Fudō-Myō-ō (immovable wisdom king) standing steadfast in front of the illuminated green waterfall.

So many lights, designs, and colors abound. Trying to take it all in can be overwhelming. I recommend getting there early and on a weekday if possible so as to take your time.

The autumn shades of green, gold, and vermilion are enhanced resulting in an otherworldly atmosphere.

The lanterns bring out the autumn colors of the trees at night.

A closeup of the triangular cut-outs in the bamboo lanterns.

The rows of lanterns remind me of an airport landing strip in the distance.

A tōrō is a traditional Japanese lantern made from stone, wood, or metal. They are often found at both Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines.

The use of color is quite impressive with various shades of yellow, green, and in this photo, pink.

Some of the lanterns feature themed carvings such as these in the shapes of various leaves.

This is a rather unique carving that features interaction between a maiko (geisha apprentice) and a karasu tengu (mythological folk creature with the characteristics of both a human and crow often dressed as a mountain ascetic).

A wall of carved bamboo emitting a calming, ethereal light.

The Kiyomizu Take Akari is a lantern festival that takes place annually at Kiyomizu Waterfall in Ogi City during the third week of November, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The entrance fee is 500 yen. This comes highly recommended. Just visiting the waterfall anytime of the year is a special trip; but to see it illuminated by thousands of colored and carved bamboo lanterns is something that has to be seen first hand. These photos do little justice to the beauty and ambience of the experience; but I hope at the very the least, they'll provide a snapshot of this unique event.

清水竹灯り—Kiyomizu Take Akari—Kiyomizu Bamboo Light Festival

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Bradford Pomeroy

By Bradford Pomeroy

Community writer

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 8 years ago

I MUST see that! Thanks for the photos!

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Preethu 8 years ago

Great photos!

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Tristan Scholze

Tristan Scholze 8 years ago

2016's festival is from November 19-27.

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Radica Sooknarine

Radica Sooknarine 9 years ago

Absolutely lovely photos! I'm so tempted to try making those bamboo lanterns!

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Natalia Veronica

Natalia Veronica 9 years ago

The pictures are excellent, wasn't aware of bamboo festival happening in Japan

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Bradford Pomeroy

Bradford Pomeroy Photographer 9 years ago

Thank you so much Natalia. I hope you can visit sometime.

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