Isehara Oyama Sky Lantern Festival – Wishes from 700m Elevation [Isehara City]

Held at the lower shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine in Isehara City, about 700 meters above sea level, the Isehara Oyama Sky Lantern Festival invites participants to launch lanterns into the night sky with their written wishes. Similar to how wishes were once entrusted to wooden swords during the Oyama pilgrimage, attendees are encouraged to inscribe their hopes on lanterns and send them skyward. Against the backdrop of Oyama's nighttime scenery, enjoy the magical sight of countless floating lanterns. Lantern launches require advance registration, with a limit of 60 lanterns each day. Visitors are also welcome to attend as spectators. Event Details: - Dates: January 16 (Sat) and January 23 (Sat), 2027 (postponed in case of severe weather) - Venue: Lower Shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine - Check-in Location: Oyama Information Center (near Oyama Cable Bus stop, in front of Oyama Tourist Info) - Check-in Time: 16:00–17:00 - Prayers and Opening Remarks: 17:50 - Launch Time: 18:00 - Number of Lanterns: 60 per day, first-come, first-served - Participation Fee: 5,000 yen per lantern (tax included) - Participants: Up to 4 people per lantern (excluding infants) - Required Item: Oil-based marker (bold tip recommended) - Reservation: Advance booking required Those not participating in the lantern launch may attend as spectators. Applications are currently open, with available spots for both dates as of November 12, 2026. Application deadline: December 10, 2026. For reservations and more information, please visit the Isehara City Tourism Association website.