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The 20th Iiyama Lantern Festival (2026)

Communitiy
Rows of hand-painted paper lanterns glowing at night along Honmachi shopping street in Iiyama
“Under those lights, together again.” — Iiyama’s summer tradition returns.

Every summer, the Iiyama Lantern Festival gently lights up the night.
Across the old castle town of Iiyama, more than 10,000 lanterns glow softly — each one holding someone’s wish or memory, painting the night sky in warm light.
With family, with friends, with someone dear to you.
It’s a moment only those of us who call this town home can truly know — a moment when the heart quietly opens.
This year, let’s meet again under those lights.

Event Details
Date & Time

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (national holiday) 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM　Cancelled in case of rain

Venue
  • Honmachi Shopping Street, Iiyama, and surrounding area
  • About 15 min walk from Iiyama Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen), or about 10 min walk from Kita-Iiyama Station
Program
“Active Program” — From 4:00 PM
Opening ceremony (4:00 PM) / Iiyama Elementary School fife-and-drum corps parade
IIYAMA DANCE FES!! (dance festival, from 5:00 PM)
“Quiet Program” — From 6:00 PM
Lighting of the Kizuna Lanterns (6:00 PM)
Soothing live music (6:30 PM)
Iiyama High School Calligraphy Club performance (8:30 PM)
More to Enjoy
Food and drink stalls
Iiyama Snow Wonderland (hands-on natural snow experience)
Tea ceremony / casual matcha stand (ends when sweets run out; donations welcome)
Yukata rental & dressing at Shimizu Kimono Shop
Special evening displays in the courtyard of the Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum

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