Gifu Lantern: Gifu Traditional Craft Continuing 300 Years and Summer Tradition

History of Gifu Lanterns

Gifu lanterns are traditional lanterns made in Gifu City with about 300 years of history. Gifu is close to production areas for washi paper (Mino Washi) and bamboo with materials needed for lantern-making available, developing as a lantern production area from the Edo era.

Characteristics of Gifu Lanterns

Gifu lanterns are beautiful lanterns with thinly stretched paper affixed to bamboo frameworks, delicately painted with patterns including flowers, birds, landscapes, and warrior paintings. Especially famous as "Bon lanterns (bon-chochin)," representative traditional crafts of Gifu shipped nationwide during the Bon festival season.

Viewing and Experiencing Gifu Lanterns

"Gifu Lantern Festival" in Gifu City exhibits many lanterns for enjoying a fantastical summer night festival. Some lantern craftsman workshops allow viewing the production process.