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- Event date:April 12, 2026 at 2:44 am
- Event end:May 13, 2026 at 2:44 am
What is the Mino Washi Akari Art Festival?
The Mino Washi Akari Art Festival is a breathtaking annual event held in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, celebrating the beauty of Mino washi paper and its unique ability to transform light into art. The festival highlights Akari art, a technique that uses handmade washi paper to create illuminated artworks, bathing the historic streets of Mino in a warm, mesmerizing glow.
The event attracts artists from across Japan and around the world, who create over 400 luminous washi lanterns that line the streets of the old town. Visitors can wander through the glowing exhibits, experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Mino washi, which was officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.
The festival offers a mix of art, culture, history, and local cuisine, making it a must-visit event for those who appreciate traditional Japanese crafts and immersive artistic experiences.
Festival Highlights
1. Akari Art Exhibition – A Glowing Wonderland
The heart of the festival is the stunning open-air Akari Art Exhibition, where hundreds of washi lanterns illuminate the streets. Each piece is crafted by artists using the delicate, translucent texture of Mino washi paper, allowing soft light to pass through and create ethereal designs and patterns. The streets of Mino’s historic district become an enchanting nighttime art gallery, offering a truly magical atmosphere.
2. Traditional Mino Washi Paper Workshops
Visitors have the rare opportunity to try their hand at making traditional washi paper under the guidance of local artisans. These hands-on workshops allow participants to create their own paper lanterns or design intricate washi artwork, using techniques that have been passed down for centuries.
3. Cultural Performances & Street Festivities
Throughout the festival, Mino’s old town comes alive with traditional performances, live music, and cultural demonstrations. Enjoy the sound of taiko drumming, classical Japanese dance, and local storytelling, adding to the immersive cultural experience.
4. Local Food Stalls & Gifu Specialties
No Japanese festival is complete without a diverse selection of delicious food. The Mino Washi Akari Festival features a variety of local specialties and seasonal dishes to enjoy while taking in the sights. Some highlights include:
- Hida Beef Skewers – One of Japan’s most premium wagyu beef varieties, grilled to perfection.
- Ayu (Sweetfish) Tempura – A specialty of Gifu’s rivers, crispy and flavorful.
- Soba Noodles – Handmade buckwheat noodles served hot or cold.
- Mino Washi-Themed Sweets – Traditional sweets inspired by the delicate patterns of washi paper.
5. Evening Lantern Display & Photography Opportunities
As night falls, the streets of Mino turn into an otherworldly scene, with glowing washi lanterns casting soft shadows and reflections along the historic buildings. This makes for an incredible photography opportunity, with visitors capturing the warm, artistic glow of Mino washi lanterns against the backdrop of the charming Edo-period town.
A Brief History of Mino Washi Paper
Mino City has been a center of Japanese papermaking for over 1,300 years. The Hon Minoshi type of washi paper, crafted using traditional methods, was officially designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014. Mino washi is renowned for its exceptional durability, smooth texture, and ability to diffuse light beautifully, making it ideal for art, calligraphy, and lantern-making.
How to Get to Mino City
By Train:
- From Gifu Station, take the JR Takayama Line to Mino-Ota Station.
- Transfer to the Nagaragawa Railway and take a train to Minoshi Station (approx. 1 hour total travel time).
- The festival venue is a 10-minute walk from Minoshi Station.
By Car:
- Mino City is about 5 minutes from the Mino IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.
- Parking is available at the venue, with additional temporary lots set up for visitors during the festival.
We Recommend These Must-Try Moments
1. Takayama and Shirakawa-go Day Tour from Nagoya
Discover the charm of Hida Takayama and the fairytale village of Shirakawa-go.
Visit traditional streets, historic houses, and scenic mountain views.
An easy and enriching cultural day trip from Nagoya.
2. Depart from Nagoya｜One-day tour to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go Gassho Village World Heritage Site｜Optional tour with observatory included
Explore the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go and historic Hida Takayama in one day.
Choose the optional observatory for breathtaking panoramic views.
A scenic and cultural deep-dive into Japan’s traditional heartland.
3. World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa Day Tour
Experience the timeless beauty of Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa’s heritage sites.
Visit samurai districts, historic villages, and well-preserved gardens.
A rich journey into old Japan, all in one day.
4. Ninja Experience Cafe (Gifu, Takayama)
Step into the world of ninjas at this fun, interactive cafe in Takayama.
Try on ninja costumes, throw shuriken, and enjoy themed treats.
A family-friendly, hands-on attraction with a playful twist.
5. 2D1N Shirakawago & Takayama & Kanazawa Bus Tour from Nagoya
Embark on a 2-day journey through Japan’s cultural gems: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa.
Includes guided tours, transportation, and overnight stay for a worry-free trip.
Perfect for travelers wanting an immersive and scenic regional adventure.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive in the evening – The best time to experience the full beauty of the festival is after sunset when the lanterns are fully illuminated.
- Dress warmly – October nights can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
- Bring a camera – The soft golden light of the washi lanterns creates a dreamy setting for photography.
- Try a workshop – Making your own Mino washi artwork is a memorable experience.
- Explore the historic town – The Edo-period streets of Mino are beautifully preserved, making for a great daytime stroll before the festival begins.
Why You Should Visit the Mino Washi Akari Art Festival 2026
The Mino Washi Akari Art Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that blends art, history, and tradition in a breathtakingly beautiful way. Whether you are an art lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone looking to experience the magic of illuminated washi paper, this festival is a must-see cultural event in Japan.
Strolling through the glowing streets of Mino, surrounded by hundreds of paper lanterns, is an unforgettable experience that captures the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Plan your visit and witness the enchanting world of Mino washi paper in its most luminous form!
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