[Experience Report] ’Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival’ – A Magical Light Display Over Kawasaki’s Night Sky
Hello! I’m the curator for slash kawasaki.
The “Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival,” something I’ve always wanted to experience at least once, finally made its debut in Kanagawa Prefecture this year!
It was held at Todoroki Ryokuchi Sports Park, right here in Kawasaki City.
In this article, I’ll share my report on this magical night.
Enjoying the festival atmosphere from early evening
The moment you step into the venue, you’re greeted by pleasant music drifting from the stage and the sound of cheerful laughter from the crowd. The mouthwatering aroma from the food trucks fills the air, instantly heightening your excitement for the extraordinary experience to come.
Every food truck serving classic festival snacks was bustling with customers! Couples and families spread out picnic blankets across the grounds, each enjoying a relaxed evening in their own way.
Of course, Tanabata wouldn’t be complete without wishing strips (tanzaku)!
Guests could choose their favorite stamp designs to create their own original tanzaku.
Wishes were written down and later released together with the lanterns.
At the “Scented Fan” booth, visitors could spray the paper fans handed out at the entrance with an original aroma spray, letting them enjoy a cool breeze infused with their favorite scent.
There was also a unique water fortune-telling corner, where you dipped a blank omikuji paper into water and watched as the results mysteriously appeared.
The venue even had plenty of photo spots set up, along with traditional festival stalls like target shooting. Before we knew it, the sun had set and the night had begun.
Lighting up the night sky – the moving grand finale
As the daylight faded and darkness settled in, the atmosphere shifted completely. The warm glow of the LED lanterns began to light up, and the anticipation for the breathtaking scene to come filled the entire venue.。
In the moments leading up to the lantern release, live music performances and street acts kept the crowd entertained.
And then came the highlight of the evening: the simultaneous release of the lanterns.
As the host’s countdown reached zero, countless lanterns began to rise silently and gracefully into the sky.
Before our eyes stretched a river of warm orange light, breathtakingly beautiful and yet somehow comforting. All around, you could hear delighted gasps of “Wow…!” and the soft sighs of people moved by the sight.
Looking up at my own lantern, carrying my wish as it floated higher and higher alongside the wishes of so many others, I was overwhelmed with an indescribable sense of emotion.
The “Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival” is far more than just an event to admire a beautiful view.
It’s about each person’s light—each wish—coming together to create a shared night sky. That touching sense of unity is what makes this experience truly unforgettable.
If you ever have the chance to go, I recommend sharing it with someone special. It’s sure to be a day etched deeply in your heart.
Although next year’s event has not yet been confirmed, we’ll continue to share information about local festivals around the hotel, so stay tuned.