Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine, located in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, had planned to hold its Tanabata Kigansai (Star Festival prayer festival) sky lantern launch, open to general participants, on July 4, 2026 (Saturday). With rain in the forecast, and prioritizing the safety of visitors, the shrine has decided to postpone the event to July 19.
Tento Kigansai to Be Held on July 19
On July 19, the shrine will hold the Tento Kigansai (Heavenly Lantern Prayer Festival), a ceremony that sends light and wishes up to the heavens.
Each participant's wish is offered before the deity in a special Tanabata ritual that sends the prayers into the night sky.
Participants write their wishes on kingyo-ema (goldfish-shaped wooden plaques), tie them to sky lanterns, and release them into the night sky. Amid the fantastical scene of gentle lights coloring the night sky, visitors can send their own wishes, thoughts for loved ones, and dreams for the future skyward.
Tento Kigansai poster
Tento Kigansai Overview
| Date | July 19, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Venue | Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine (105-1 Honmachi, Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture) |
| Reception | 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Prayer ceremony | From 7:30 PM |
| Sky lantern launch | From 8:00 PM |
| End | Around 8:30 PM |
| Capacity | Limited to 100 groups (advance reservation preferred) • Walk-ins accepted on the day if capacity has not been reached. • Reservations close once all advance slots are filled. |
| Offering fee | ¥5,000 (includes the prayer ceremony and one LED sky lantern) |
Notes
The event uses flameless LED sky lanterns.
The program may be changed or cancelled in the event of severe weather.
Reservations
Advance reservations can be made through the online form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzr1b4lWYw_YMgAauyw4LVguSmdwjBmJyupnXbU-jJL4hTew/viewform
