Join me on a magical journey at the Sky Lantern Festival in Tochigi, Japan, where I fulfilled a dream of releasing sky lanterns. From savoring authentic Thai food to watching glowing lanterns drift into the night, this unforgettable experience was filled with joy, cultural richness, and enchanting moments.
Experiencing a sky lantern festival has always been a dream of mine, and when I discovered that the Sky Lantern Festival from Thailand was coming to Tochigi, Japan, I knew I had to be there. My husband and I planned for weeks, excitedly counting down to that October weekend. As the day finally approached, our anticipation grew, and we found ourselves awake at the crack of dawn, ready to embark on our little adventure. We took the Shinkansen from Ueno Station, which was an experience in itself. Surprisingly, booking a Shinkansen ticket involved a few more steps than expected. After purchasing our tickets from the machine, we still had to wait in line to validate them—a quirky reminder of Japan’s unique travel processes. But once we were settled in our seats, watching the cityscape fade into the countryside, any minor inconveniences were quickly forgotten.
The smoothness of the Shinkansen was something I hadn’t fully appreciated before. It was a gentle, quiet ride, allowing us to relax and enjoy the views with a bento we’d picked up at the station. Eating on the train felt a bit special, adding a relaxed and easy start to our day. We arrived in Utsunomiya, checked into a hotel near the station, and quickly dropped off our bags. Eager to get to the venue, we set out right away, with the next part of our journey taking us higher up into Tochigi’s scenic landscapes.
From Utsunomiya, we took a local train to a smaller station called Kobana Station. All I remember is how serene it felt—far from the bustling cities I’m used to in Japan. We had planned to take a taxi to the venue from there, but as luck would have it, a staff member from the event, easily identifiable with his ID badge, was already waiting at the station. He was waiting for another passenger but kindly offered us a ride as well. This unexpected kindness felt like a promising start to our evening and only added to the festival’s charm.
When we arrived, the event was already bustling with early attendees, though it maintained an intimate feel that made the experience feel special. Each attendee was handed an LED lantern for the evening’s festivities, which already set the tone for the magical night ahead. Scattered throughout the venue were picturesque stations, perfect for capturing memories. There was even a little shed decorated with hanging star lanterns, where guests could participate in a game and win prizes. My husband and I both tried our luck; I ended up with a beautifully crafted brush, while he humorously received a nasal-scented cologne—a fitting prize given that he had a cold!
The venue itself was both quaint and vibrant, with Thai-inspired decorations, an abundance of food stalls, and several Buddhist monks present, attending to the guests and preparing for the ceremonies. It felt like stepping into a pocket of Thailand right in Japan, with the monks’ presence adding a serene, respectful energy to the environment. For just around 6,000–8,000 yen each, we had access to everything the event had to offer, including the lanterns to take home and unlimited access to the various Thai food stalls spread across the venue.
The array of food was fantastic, and it was tempting to try a bit of everything. We strolled from stall to stall, each one offering a different taste of authentic Thai flavors. The combination of fragrances and flavors took me back to our last visit to a Thai restaurant, but this experience was so much more immersive. Everywhere we turned, there was something new to see, taste, or experience, making the event feel rich in culture and tradition.
One of the most heartwarming aspects was seeing a section of the venue dedicated to traditional Thai games. Watching the children laughing and chasing each other in a lively game of tag was both entertaining and nostalgic. It reminded me of similar games from my own childhood, bridging cultures in a simple, joyful way.
As the clock struck 5 PM, the food stalls officially opened, and the crowd eagerly gathered to indulge in the flavors of Thailand. My husband and I filled our plates, savoring each bite as we enjoyed the festive ambiance. There was a light-heartedness in the air—a feeling that everyone was here to celebrate, connect, and make memories together. After we’d had our fill, the crowd gathered for the event’s main highlight, and you could feel a sense of anticipation growing.
The monks, who reside at the nearby meditation center, gave a welcoming speech that marked the beginning of the sky lantern release. It was a meaningful introduction to what was about to be an unforgettable experience. There was a reverence in the air as they spoke, a reminder of the deeper significance behind this festival—the lanterns were not just for visual splendor; they symbolized hope, gratitude, and the release of wishes into the universe
Finally, the time came to release our lanterns. We were each given slips of paper to write down our wishes before attaching them to our lanterns. I poured my heart into my wish, carefully folding the paper and securing it. As the lanterns were lit, the sky around us transformed. One by one, the glowing lanterns floated upwards, illuminating the darkening sky like stars. To add to the magic, “I See the Light” from Disney’s Tangled began to play in the background, making the moment feel like a scene from a fairy tale.
Watching our lanterns rise higher and higher, carrying our wishes into the vast expanse above, I felt a profound sense of happiness. It was more than just a festival; it was a moment of pure, unfiltered joy, shared with people from all walks of life who were united in this beautiful ritual. There was something incredibly moving about seeing so many lanterns drifting into the night, each representing someone’s dreams, hopes, and prayers.
Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any more magical, the next part of the ceremony began—the water lantern release. We each received a small, candle-lit lantern and were invited to float it on a pond at the center of the venue. This part of the event was quieter, more reflective. Watching the tiny flames drift across the water, their reflections dancing with the ripples, added a sense of peace and completion to the experience.
The sight was breathtaking, with countless tiny lights floating on the pond, each one a symbol of someone’s inner light. People gathered around, taking in the moment, some snapping photos, others simply watching in awe. Everyone seemed to be in a state of quiet joy, grateful to be part of something so beautiful and meaningful.
As the event drew to a close, we were asked to share a few words about our experience for a brief interview. I was happy to talk about what an incredible evening it had been, from the warm welcome we’d received to the breathtaking release of the lanterns. Everyone we encountered was so kind and gracious, making the experience feel even more special.
Before we left, the same staff member who had given us a ride to the venue offered to take us back to the train station. Holding our lanterns, we made our way through the station, drawing a few curious stares from other travelers. But I didn’t mind one bit—those lanterns represented an unforgettable day filled with joy, wonder, and a little bit of magic.
Check them out: Thai Meditation Forest – A place of relaxation for the mind and body
Reflecting on our time at the Sky Lantern Festival, I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had since moving to Japan. It wasn’t just about the lanterns or the food; it was the feeling of being part of something bigger, of sharing in a collective hope and happiness. That night, under a sky filled with glowing wishes, I felt truly connected to everyone around me. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter where we come from, we all share the same dreams for peace, happiness, and a little magic in our lives.
Stay tuned for more exciting content like this! Follow us on our social media platforms and check out our blog regularly to stay updated on the latest news, trends, and insider stories from Japan. Don’t miss out on future updates—sign up for our newsletter for exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox!
