Tokyo German Village in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, will hold "Tokyo Lantern Festival 2026-2027," a large-scale nighttime event for the autumn and winter outing season, starting November 1, 2026.
Heavy rain damage from Typhoon No. 25 had raised concerns, but the lantern area fortunately escaped damage, and the festival is expected to open as scheduled with preparations fully in place. Preparations are steadily under way with the hope of "bringing a lively Chiba to the whole country" and of letting visitors "feel healing and excitement in everyday life through a day out."
With easy access from central Tokyo via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, the park presents an immersive night experience on a grand scale.
Three Highlights and Photo Spots This Year
1. A photogenic space floating on the water: the massive scale of the "water lanterns"
This year's biggest highlight is the giant water lantern floating on a pond in the park. Craftspeople have built the foundations on the water and completed powerful, dramatic shapes.
2. Opening on November 1 with the "water lighting ceremony" and a lively stage
On the evening of opening day, a lighting ceremony will be held with the water walkway as its stage.
- MC: Ariella (アリエラ)
- Guest MC: Mogumogu Peanuts (もぐもぐピーナッツ), a duo from Yoshimoto's "Chiba Prefecture Sumimasu Geinin" (resident comedians)
With Sodegaura Mayor Tomohiro Kasuya (粕谷智浩) as a guest, the two comedians, who love their home prefecture of Chiba, will fill the venue with cheerful talk and stage the moving moment when all the lanterns light up at once.
3. A great stop for a day drive or a trip around Chiba and Boso
Located about 45 minutes by car from central Tokyo, the park is easy to reach. Combined with the nearby Kisarazu Outlet and gourmet spots in Boso, it works well as a stopover or final destination for a "day-trip drive date" or a "weekend family trip."
Tokyo Lantern Festival Event Details
- Event name: Tokyo Lantern Festival
- Dates: November 1, 2026 to April 4, 2027 (a lighting ceremony will be held on November 1)
- Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry 7:30 PM)
- Venue: Tokyo German Village "Lake Area" (419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture)
- Details: Installation and lighting of Chinese lanterns, a Chinese food stall area, and limited-time events (planned)
