Witness thousands of candles, sky lanterns, and fireworks illuminate the winter sky against the silhouette of Mount Fuji at this magical one-day event.
On a single, fleeting evening in February, the shores of Lake Yamanakako transform into a breathtaking world of light and ice. The Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival, scheduled for February 22, 2026, is a cherished winter tradition that combines the quiet beauty of handmade ice candles with the spectacular grandeur of fireworks and sky lanterns, all set against the iconic backdrop of Mount Fuji.
This article is your complete guide to experiencing this one-night-only festival, from the event schedule to essential tips on how to get there, what to wear, and the strict rules you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| 2027 date | Not published yet. The tourism association’s 2026–27 events calendar, dated 10 April 2026, puts it at Kirara around mid-February 2027 — a window, not a date. Checked 10 September 2026 |
| When it is usually announced | Recent editions were named in December: 11 Feb 2024 announced 20 Dec 2023, 23 Feb 2025 announced 27 Dec 2024, 22 Feb 2026 announced 17 Dec 2025. Three Decembers is a habit, not a promise |
| Location | The Harappa field at Koryu Plaza Kirara, Hirano — on land, not on the lake |
| Admission | Free |
| Sky Lantern | Paid and separate: ¥5,000 per lantern in 2026, guided at one to four people per lantern. Only purchasers enter the launch area |
| Parking | Check before you go. Two official pages gave different 2026 figures — ¥2,000 per car on one, ¥1,000 on another — and neither has been corrected. Bring cash and expect up to ¥2,000 |
| Running order (2026, for shape only) | Gates 16:00 · candles lit 16:30 · lanterns 18:00 · fireworks 18:30 · closes 20:00. Not confirmed for 2027 |
| What to Wear | Winter boots, warm layers, hat, gloves. The organiser warns about deep cold, mud and possible snow, and about winter tyres if you drive |
| Photography | Tripods, monopods and bipods are prohibited |
What is the Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival?
The Ice Candle Festival is a community-driven event that marks the peak of winter at Lake Yamanakako. While its namesake is the thousands of ice candles handmade by local volunteers, the true spectacle is the combination of these lights with sky lanterns and a stunning fireworks display.
As dusk settles, 5,000 points of light from the candles begin to glow, and the lanterns go up over the field with Mount Fuji behind them. One thing to be clear about, because most English pages get it wrong: the lanterns are on strings, and there is no flame in them at all. I have been, and that is the detail that changes the evening. They are lifted by helium, lit by an LED, and held on a line with a small paper weight at your end, so they rise and hover and pull but nothing floats off over the lake and nothing comes down burning in a forest. You take yours home afterwards. What you are looking at is a field of lights straining upward on their lines, not a release. It also changes what you can photograph, and whether you can join in.
Event Highlights: Candles, Lanterns, and Fireworks
The festival is a crescendo of light, with three main acts that create an unforgettable experience.
1.The Sea of Candles (4:30 PM onwards): The event begins with the lighting of 5,000 ice and wax candles, casting an ethereal glow across the snowy fields of Koryu Plaza Kirara.
2.Sky Lantern® (18:00 in 2026): the visual centrepiece, and the part with conditions attached. It is not included in the free admission: a lantern cost ¥5,000 in 2026, one to four people share it, and only purchasers are let into the launch area. Advance sale, with a limited number on the day. The lanterns carried LED lights on strings and participants took them home afterwards. If you are coming to watch rather than take part, you watch from the field with everyone else, which is free and perfectly good.
3.Winter Fireworks (6:30 PM): The grand finale is a spectacular fireworks display. The crisp, clear winter air makes the colors exceptionally vibrant, and seeing them explode with Mount Fuji as the backdrop is a truly unique Japanese winter experience.
Best Time to Arrive
It runs for one evening only, so arriving early matters more than it would at a week-long festival. In 2026 the gates opened at 16:00 and the candles were lit at 16:30; the car parks fill well before that. Aim for mid-afternoon, which also buys you time for the food stalls and a look at the field in daylight. Confirm the 2027 running order against the official page before you plan around these times.
How to Get There
The festival is held at Koryu Plaza Kirara on the Hirano side of Lake Yamanakako.
•By Car: This is the most convenient option. From Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway to the Higashifuji-goko Road and exit at the Yamanakako IC. From there, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the venue. Be prepared for traffic, and bring cash for parking — official 2026 pages disagreed between ¥1,000 and ¥2,000, so carry the higher amount and check the current figure on the day.
Klook.com (function (d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = “text/javascript”; s.async = true; s.src = u; p.parentNode.insertBefore(s, p); })( document, “script”, “https://affiliate.klook.com/widget/fetch-iframe-init.js” );•By Public Transport: Take a highway bus from major stations like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station to the Yamanakako area. Get off at the “Koryu Plaza Kirara” bus stop, which is a 3-minute walk from the venue. Alternatively, take a train to Fujisan Station and then a local bus towards Hirano.
Essential Tips for Your Visit (Including Photography Rules)
•Dress Warmly and Wear Boots:
The venue will be cold and snowy. Waterproof winter boots (nagagutsu) are highly recommended. Also bring warm layers, a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
•Bring Cash:
Parking and food stalls are typically cash-only.
•Photography Rules are Strict:
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, there is a strict ban on all tripods, monopods, bipods, and selfie sticks within the entire venue, including parking lots. Handheld photography only. Drones are also prohibited.
•Be Respectful:
Do not enter prohibited areas or set up equipment in a way that obstructs others’ views.
•For Pet Owners:
While pets are allowed, the fireworks can be loud. Keep your dog on a secure leash at all times to prevent them from running off in fear.
Where to Stay Nearby
Since the event ends at 8:00 PM, staying overnight is a great way to fully enjoy the experience without rushing back. The area around Lake Yamanakako has numerous hotels, traditional ryokans, and cozy pensions. Booking accommodation in the Hirano area will be most convenient for accessing the festival.
FAQs
Is the event cancelled in bad weather?
The official website does not specify a cancellation policy, but severe weather could impact the schedule, especially the fireworks and sky lanterns. Check the official Yamanakako Tourism Association website for updates closer to the date.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, Koryu Plaza Kirara is a permanent facility with public restrooms.
Can I buy food and drinks at the venue?
Yes, the event page mentions that numerous food stalls will be set up, offering warm food and drinks.
How much does the Sky Lantern® event cost?
It is separate from the free admission and it is not cheap: ¥5,000 per lantern in 2026, shared between one and four people, sold in advance with a limited number on the day. Only purchasers are admitted to the launch area. The lantern is helium-lifted and LED-lit, on a line with a paper weight, and you take it home afterwards. Confirm the 2027 price with the Yamanakako Tourism Association before you count on it.
Sources
[1] Lake Yamanakako Tourism Association. “Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival.”
The Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival is a fleeting but unforgettable celebration of winter’s beauty. With a little planning, you can witness one of the most magical light displays Japan has to offer.
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