Lanterns rise: The Fujikawaguchiko Sky Lantern Festival

Fujikawaguchiko Town (富士河口湖町 Fujikawaguchiko-machi) in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県 Yamanashi-ken) will be holding the Fuji Kawaguchiko Sky Lantern Festival (富士河口湖スカイランタンフェスティバル) for the first time on 6 March 2021 at Kawaguchiko Oike Park (河口湖大池公園 Kawaguchiko Ōike kōen). 

This event was designed to make up for traditional events cancelled due to the pandemic. In keeping with the new normal, this new event will incorporate countermeasures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sky lanterns released into the sky. (Image credit: photoAC)

Free Lanterns for All!

Anyone can participate in the lantern festival simply by obtaining a voucher for a lantern from any of the participating establishments, which can be found on the event’s official webpage. The event held at the park kicks off with a traditional Chindon'ya (チンドン屋), also known as a Japanese marching band, followed by a procession of lanterns around the area called neri-aruki  (練り歩き). The event culminates with a spectacular “lantern-rise” (ランタンライズ) release of lanterns into the sky over Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) and Mount Fuji (富士山).

A chindon’ya marching band (Image credit: Stéfan / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visitors are required to reserve online as well as to download and register the app through the QR code at the bottom of the form. The form is only available in Japanese but you just need to give your email, name, phone number, number of participants, and lastly, check the location box (there’s only one available) and privacy agreement button at the bottom, in that order. 

Getting there:

To Kawaguchiko Oike Park take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus Red-Line (河口湖周遊バス Kawaguchiko shuyu basu) from Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅 Kawaguchiko-eki) or the Saiko Sightseeing Bus Green-Line (西湖周遊バス Saiko shuyu basu) and get off at Kawaguchiko Herb Hall (河口湖ハーブ館 Kawaguchiko hābu-kan). Alternatively, it’s a 15 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

Fuji Kawaguchiko Sky Lantern Festival (富士河口湖スカイランタンフェスティバル) 
Event date: 6 March 2021
Schedule: 

• 15:00: Reception opens
• 17:30: 18:30  Chindon’ya marching band and lantern parade
• 19:00: Lantern-rise
• 19:30: Event ends

Venue: Kawaguchiko Oike Park (河口湖大池公園) and Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum (河口湖音楽と森の美術館)
Nearest station: Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅)
Tel: +81 555-28-5177

Header image credit: Fujikawaguchiko Tourist Information

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