Each autumn, as the mountains of Gifu shift into fiery shades of red and gold, the quiet merchant streets of Mino City come alive with a glow that feels almost otherworldly. This is the season of the Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition, a beloved cultural event now more than 30 years in the making, where hundreds of handmade paper lanterns illuminate one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved historic districts.
If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a heritage district lit entirely by creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit, this is the moment to go.
The Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition is a luminous celebration of creativity, heritage, and community spirit. Set against the atmospheric Rising Townscape - a beautifully preserved Edo‑era district, the event transforms Mino City into a glowing open‑air gallery. Each artwork is crafted from Mino washi, a traditional paper with a 1,300‑year history, prized for its strength, translucency, and quiet elegance.
Every year, artists and creators from across Japan submit imaginative light sculptures that line the historic streets. As dusk settles and the lanterns ignite, the town becomes a dreamlike landscape where tradition and contemporary art meet. The gentle glow of washi silhouettes the iconic udatsu rooftops, creating one of Japan’s most enchanting nightscapes.
For more than 30 years, this town‑wide exhibition has been lovingly sustained by local volunteers - students, families, artisans, and community groups whose dedication ensures that the event remains both intimate and deeply rooted in place. Their efforts have helped the exhibition grow from a regional celebration into an internationally admired cultural event, drawing visitors from around the world.
What began as a local initiative has become a symbol of Mino’s identity: a living expression of craftsmanship, creativity, and the enduring beauty of light.
@blair.villanueva Outstanding works from the Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition with pieces of figures made of washi paper displayed outdoors in acrylic cases, and illuminated at nighttime. Exhibition is until 30th November 2025. Free Entry. Location: Mino, Gifu Prefecture #gifu#japan#illumination#japaneseart#paperart♬ healing touch - Melo-magica
Two Months of Light, Art, and Community
Last year’s exhibition runs from October 12 to November 30, unfolding in two distinct chapters.
October 12–24: Around 300 brand-new washi artworks take centre stage, created by everyone from established artists to students and families. Each piece is displayed in a clear acrylic case protecting the delicate paper while allowing the lanterns to shimmer even in the rain.
October 25–November 30: The exhibition shifts into a nostalgic mode, showcasing approximately 140 award‑winning works from previous years. Set against November’s peak foliage, the effect is breathtaking: a tapestry of glowing art framed by crimson and gold.
We felt incredibly fortunate to experience this breathtaking event during our late‑October trip to Japan. Watching the town come alive with glowing washi creations was unforgettable.
I was genuinely amazed by the artistry on display… how each piece of delicate Mino washi was transformed into intricate, imaginative designs. The level of craftsmanship and creativity was nothing short of extraordinary.
A Town Steeped in Craft and History
Mino City is one of Japan’s three great washi-producing regions, and its heritage is visible in every detail from the Edo-era merchant houses to the distinctive udatsu firewalls that rise proudly from the rooftops. These architectural flourishes once signalled a family’s prosperity; today, they frame the warm glow of lanterns that line the streets each autumn.
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| Udatsu firewalls |
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| Udatsu Street at night |
Mino’s annual celebration of light is more than an art exhibition - it’s a living expression of craft, community, and the quiet beauty of autumn in Japan. Wandering through these lantern-lit streets feels like stepping into a story where history and creativity meet, illuminating the night in the gentlest, most enchanting way.
Location: Japan, 〒501-3701 Gifu, Mino, åŠ æ²»å±‹ç”º1959-1
Admission Fee: FREE
Official website: https://www.akariart.jp/
How to Get There:
By car
*Tokai Loop Expressway
Approximately 30 minutes from Toki JCT to Mino IC via Mino-Seki JCT
It takes about 10 minutes by car from Mino IC to the venue.
*Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
Approximately 25 minutes from Ichinomiya JCT to Mino IC
It takes about 10 minutes by car from Mino IC to the venue.
Parking Information
Tourist Fureai Plaza parking lot
Address: 2423-1 Tokiwacho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Parking Fee: Free for the first 30 minutes, 100 yen for every 2 hours thereafter
Access: About 5 minutes
If you’re planning a trip to Gifu Prefecture next autumn, we recommend adding the Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition to your itinerary. It’s the perfect opportunity to wander through the charming streets of Udatsu in Mino City while experiencing its most magical seasonal tradition. For the latest schedules and event details, be sure to check the exhibition’s official website.
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