Kyushu Autumn Exclusive: Hita’s Sen Nen no Akari Festival — 30,000 Candlelights and a Deeper Japan Than Yufuin

Cody Tse
Dec 21, 2025
3 min read

Escape the Tourist Noise

If you think Kyushu’s autumn is only about Lake Kinrin in Yufuin, you may be missing the most breathtaking night of the season.

In November, I originally planned to squeeze into Yufuin with everyone else for a roll cake. Then a local friend told me, “If you want to see a real Japanese autumn night—go to Hita.”

Hita, often called “Kyushu’s Little Kyoto,” hosts a two-day candle festival every year on the second weekend of November: Sennen Akari (千年あかり / “A Thousand Years of Light”). This is not a standard illumination event. To address bamboo-forest issues, locals cut bamboo themselves, carve it into 30,000 bamboo lanterns, and line the Kagetsu River and the historic streets of Mameda-machi with warm candlelight.

That night by the river, I saw a deeper, warmer Kyushu than Yufuin. This guide covers exactly how I got there, where to shoot the best photos, and why you should book accommodation early (a hard-earned lesson).

Getting There: How to Reach This Mountain Town

Hita sits roughly between Fukuoka and Yufuin. It is more convenient than most people expect—but choosing the right transport changes the entire feel of the trip.

1) The Most “Ceremonial” Option: Limited Express Yufuin no Mori

This retro green sightseeing train is an attraction in itself. From Hakata Station, it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Hita.

Insider tip: During the festival, seats sell out fast. If you have a JR Kyushu Rail Pass, reserve a designated seat online before you arrive in Japan.

2) The Most Flexible Option: Driving

If you want to combine Hita with Yabakei or Kurokawa Onsen, renting a car from Fukuoka is ideal. Note that Hita city has traffic restrictions during the festival, so it’s best to park in paid lots near Hita Station and walk to Mameda-machi.

On-Site Experience: Two Stunning Photo Spots

As dusk falls—around 5:00 PM—volunteers begin lighting the candles one by one. Yes: real flames, not LEDs.

1) Kagetsu Riverbank: A Galaxy on the Ground

This is the core of Sennen Akari. Thousands of bamboo lanterns line the river, reflecting on the water. There are no harsh streetlights—only warm candlelight trembling in the sharp autumn air.

2) Mameda-machi: Walking Through Edo-Era Japan

Mameda-machi is preserved as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Homes and storefronts place handmade bamboo lanterns at their entrances, turning the streets into a living candlelit corridor.

This is more than a “spot.” You may see residents in kimono chatting at their doorways—an everyday warmth you rarely feel in heavily commercialized tourist zones.

Accommodation: Why You Must Stay Overnight

This is the single most important tip in this article: do not try to return to Fukuoka or Yufuin the same night.

Time pressure: The best candlelight window is roughly 6:00–8:00 PM. The last trains back are often overcrowded, and you’ll miss the calm, quiet after the peak.
Onsen + sake: Hita is also an onsen town and home to Kuncho Sake Brewery. Ending the night with a bath and a glass of local sake is part of what makes this trip complete.

Here are two Hita stays I recommend. During the festival season (November), rooms often begin selling out six months in advance:

1) For a more luxurious stay: Hita Tenryosui no Yado

Known for its open-air baths and especially for its cuisine. Set by the Mikuma River, where morning mist can be beautiful. Ideal for couples or traveling with parents.

2) Best value + unbeatable location: Hotel Route-Inn Hita Ekimae

Directly across from Hita Station, perfect if you’re traveling by JR. After the festival, you can rest immediately—no taxis, no extra transfers. This is where I stayed last time, and the breakfast is generous.

Closing: One Light for the Heart

When I left Hita, I wasn’t thinking about souvenirs. I was thinking about that river flowing with candlelight.

If you’re tired of checklist travel, consider giving two days to Hita in autumn 2025. Among 30,000 flames, you may find the kind of quiet emotion that travel is supposed to bring back.

Travel Tips

Dates: Every year on the second weekend of November (Fri–Sun)
What to wear: Kyushu nights in November can drop below 10°C—bring a warm coat