Shiga Shiga
Every year on August 16
Soma River Summer Festival
杣川夏まつり
Soma River Summer Festival is a summer event centered around a floating lantern ceremony in remembrance of war victims and the ancestors of the community. The venue is on the banks of the Soma River, where lanterns illuminated on the water create a mystical atmosphere.
At the festival, the powerful sound of Japanese drums resonates throughout the venue, adding liveliness to the entire event. As night falls, rapid-fire and display fireworks are set off, with around 300 fireworks coloring the night sky above the Soma River. The festival is also easily accessible on foot from the station, which makes participation convenient.
Being able to enjoy both the floating lanterns and the fireworks simultaneously is a unique experience distinctive to this region. Additionally, the preparations and the manner of floating the lanterns have their own local touches.
To fully enjoy this festival, it is recommended to arrive at the venue before sunset, leisurely float lanterns along the riverside while surrendering yourself to the rhythms of the Japanese drum performance, and finally, end your day by watching the impressive fireworks up close.
Place:Soma Riverbank
Transportation:5 minutes on foot from "Kibukawa" Station on the JR Kusatsu Line
Contact:0748-69-2190