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Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival 2026

Festive night lanterns illuminating the sky — evoking the spirit of the Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival in Kyoto
Aug7–162026
Events

Release your wishes into the night sky with 3,500 LED lanterns at this magical Tanabata celebration in Joyo, Kyoto.

In a nutshell

What is it?
3,500 glowing LED lanterns carrying handwritten wishes fill the night sky at Japan's largest sky lantern event — a modern Tanabata tradition in Joyo, Kyoto.
Why go?
Unlike anything else in Kansai — a dense field of floating light, festival games, food trucks, and a deeply memorable photo opportunity.
Perfect for
Couples, families, photographers, anyone who loves a spectacular night sky
Time needed
Aug 7–16, 17:00–21:00 (lanterns ~20:30)

Japan’s largest sky lantern event returns to Kyoto: up to 3,500 LED lanterns float into the night sky each evening, each carrying a handwritten wish strip (tanzaku) in keeping with Tanabata tradition. The result is a dense, glowing field of light that transforms the sports park into something magical.

Lantern release is scheduled around 8:30 PM. Before and after, enjoy stage performances, traditional festival game stalls (ennichi), food trucks, a lantern wall photo spot, and water fortune-telling. Late entry is permitted — you can arrive after work and still catch the main event.

Each ticket includes one lantern. Prices start at ¥6,200 for adults (¥3,000 for children) and rise as tickets sell — early booking recommended. The venue is a 10-minute walk from Nagaike Station on the JR Nara Line, about 40 minutes from Kyoto Station.