Looking for a memorable way to express your gratitude before the year ends? Oizumi Ryokuchi Park in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is hosting a sky lantern event over the weekend of December 20–21.
Entry is free, but to take part in the main activity, you’ll need to purchase a lantern. Each hot-air balloon-shaped lantern can admit up to four participants. There’s an early-bird discount of ¥4,000 per lantern if purchased online in advance. Otherwise, they are ¥4,500 at the door.
Do remember to write a wish or a message of gratitude on your lantern before releasing it into the night sky. Families will be glad to know that the lanterns are fitted with LED lights, making them safe and fun for children. With up to 1,500 lanterns illuminating the sky, the event will be a breathtaking sight – even for non-participating onlookers.
Thanks Lantern 2025 will have a festival-like set-up, with doors opening at 11am and the lantern release scheduled for 7pm. Before then, you can enjoy warm treats from the food trucks or partake in some classic funfair games. There’s also a giant inflatable play area for children, though this costs ¥500 per person for a 15-minute session.