Noshiro Tanabata Tenku no Fuyajo

Noshiro Tanabata 'Tenku no Fuyajo' (Nightless Castle in the Sky) is held August 2–3 in Noshiro, Akita, featuring colossal castle-shaped lanterns. It revives the large lanterns once paraded in the Meiji era, with two highlights: 'Chikasue,' at 24.1 meters Japan's tallest, and the 17.6-meter 'Karoku.' These dazzlingly decorated giant lanterns advance majestically through the night streets to powerful taiko drums and festival music, captivating crowds that line the route. It has drawn nationwide attention as a thrilling Tanabata event symbolizing summer in Noshiro.