Senshukoen, Akita 010-0876 Akita Prefecture

1-4-2 Nakadori, Akita 010-0001 Akita Prefecture

1-39 Senshukoen, Akita 010-0876 Akita Prefecture

1-9-1 Tsuchizaki Minatonishi, Akita 011-0945 Akita Prefecture

1-3-30 Omachi, Akita 010-0921 Akita Prefecture

4-7-35 Nakadori, Akita 010-0001 Akita Prefecture

3-3-21 Omachi, Akita 010-0921 Akita Prefecture

Kyokuhokusakae-machi, Akita 010-0922 Akita Prefecture

The Kanto, or "Pole Lantern", Festival is held from August 3-6. Performers take to the street en masse to show their skill in balancing bamboo "kanto" poles. Each pole, which can be up to 40 feet tall and 90 pounds in weight, has paper lanterns tied to its top-- all with a real, lit candle inside! Entertainers are expert in wielding these, and when the Night Parade takes over the festival's main street, over 250 kanto poles light the area, and a 90-minute show gets underway. Energy is high as drums, flutes, and a crowd chanting "dokkoisho!" accompany the performers as they heft aloft the kanto. Afterwards, guests are welcome to give it a try themselves.

Omachi, Akita Akita Prefecture

49 Yuwatsubakigawa Yamagomori Terminal Bldg. 2F, Akita 010-1211 Akita Prefecture

2-3-8 Nakadori, Akita 010-0001 Akita Prefecture

7-1-2 Nakadori JR Akita Station, Akita 010-0001 Akita Prefecture

1-9-1 Tsuchizakiminato Nishi, Akita 011-0945 Akita Prefecture

1-3-30 Omachi, Akita 010-0921 Akita Prefecture

154 Katabata Hamada, Akita 010-1654 Akita Prefecture