A symbol of hope and peace, sky lanterns have become so popular that there are now festivals dedicated to them in many cities across Asia. This July, you can enjoy the experience in the city of Sennan in Osaka prefecture.
Held over the July 4–5 weekend at Sennan Long Park, Senshu Beach Lantern Fest is set to release a sea of sky lanterns each evening at around 7.30pm. This year, the organisers are adding special blue and red lanterns to the usual orange ones, as a nod to the Osaka Expo last year. Participants can choose their preferred colour on a first-come, first-served basis.
For safety and environmental reasons – and with the venue just across the water from Kansai International Airport – the lanterns are tethered with strings and don’t float away. They’re also lit with LEDs, so they’re child-friendly with no fire hazards.
While entry to the event is free, you’ll need a ticket to release a lantern or access the special viewing areas. The ¥5,000 Lantern Exchange Ticket (¥5,500 on the day) allows a group of up to four to release one lantern.
The Family and Pair Seats, on the other hand, are priced at ¥4,400 and ¥2,200 respectively. These tickets grant access to the special viewing area and include drinks (four for families, two for couples), but you’ll need to purchase a lantern separately should you wish to release one.
Of course, there’s more to Senshu Beach Lantern Fest than just lanterns. Kids can enjoy traditional festival games and a giant bouncy castle. There’s also a treasure hunt, a water gun tournament, live DJ sets and street performances, making this a fun day out for the entire family. And since no festival is complete without treats, expect a line-up of food trucks serving a mix of local and international street food.
Senshu Beach Lantern Fest runs from 12 noon to 9pm. Tickets are now available online.