Become enlightened on the illuminating history of Japanese paper lanterns in the Ibaraki city of Mito.
There’s something so magical and iconic about a moody lane illuminated by the warm glow of paper lanterns that dot the nation’s backstreets, a scene undeniably representative of the nation’s traditional, almost mystical allure. Suifu chochin traditional lanterns are a symbol of long summer nights and the classic, artisanal talent of Mito City. They’re shipped across the country to be used as decorations for festivals and events. Along with Gifu and Yame (in Fukuoka Prefecture), Ibaraki’s Mito City is known for being one of the major lantern producers. The lanterns that come from Mito are known colloquially as the Mito lantern or “Suifu.”
