Yokohama Bay Quarter's "Yokohama Lantern Night" Returns May 30 to September 23, 2026, with 1,000 Lanterns for Its 20th Anniversary

Published: May 22, 2026
Yokohama Bay Quarter's "Yokohama Lantern Night" Returns May 30 to September 23, 2026, with 1,000 Lanterns for Its 20th Anniversary

Yokohama Bay Quarter, the shopping mall at Yokohama Station's North East Exit, is bringing back its popular summer event Yokohama Lantern Night from Saturday, May 30 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. First held in 2019, the event has become a staple of the Yokohama summer calendar — and this year, coinciding with the mall's 20th anniversary, it returns with its biggest display yet.

1,000 Lanterns for the 20th Anniversary

This year's Yokohama Lantern Night features approximately 1,000 lanterns — the most in the event's history. Each piece is handcrafted by artisans in Vietnam. During the day, the colorful lanterns brighten the space; after sundown, their warm glow creates a dreamlike, exotic atmosphere reminiscent of Hoi An.

Among the new highlights is a towering "Lantern Cube" — approximately 4 meters tall — where visitors can step inside and be completely surrounded by lanterns for an immersive experience. A photo spot modeled on a Vietnamese lantern-seller's stall also makes its debut, making every corner of the venue a photogenic backdrop.

Event Details

  • Period: May 30 (Sat) to September 23 (Wed, public holiday), 2026
  • Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (light-up from 5:00 PM)
  • Venue: Yokohama Bay Quarter 3F Main Plaza and 3 other locations throughout the mall
  • Admission: Free
  • Address: 1-10 Kanakucho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama (3-min walk from Yokohama Station North East Exit A via the "Bay Quarter Walk" pedestrian bridge)
  • Event website: https://www.yokohama-bayquarter.com/20th/lantern-night

Vietnam Appreciation Day: Cultural Experiences

During the event period, "Vietnam Appreciation Day" will be held on the following dates:

  • June 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun)
  • September 5 (Sat) and 6 (Sun)
  • Hours: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM / 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM (available programs vary by time slot)
  • Location: Yokohama Bay Quarter 3F Main Plaza and 6F Multipurpose Room

Lantern Painting Experience

Participants can paint their own design on a lantern the same size as those decorating the venue and take it home as a souvenir. Sessions run three times a day.

  • Times: 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM (each day)
  • Capacity: 15 per session
  • Location: 6F Multipurpose Room
  • Fee: ¥4,000 per person (advance reservation required; check the event website for booking details)

Ao Dai Dressing Experience

Try on an Ao Dai — Vietnam's traditional dress — and enjoy exploring the lantern-filled venue while wearing one. Vietnamese staff are on hand to assist with dressing. Queue tickets are distributed from 4:30 PM at the Multipurpose Room entrance.

  • Times: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (return by 8:00 PM)
  • Location: 6F Multipurpose Room
  • Fee: From ¥1,500 (pay on-site, cash only)

Note: The fabric is thin and may be sheer; wearing an undershirt or leggings is recommended. Sizes and colors are limited.

Special Lottery: Win a Round-Trip Flight to Vietnam

On June 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun), a special lottery will be held at the 3F Main Plaza from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with prizes including a round-trip flight to Vietnam and Vietnam Airlines original goods. To enter, follow one of the official SNS accounts (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or LINE) at the event reception and show the screen to staff.

Details are subject to change.

"Adults' Late Night": Special Evening Programs

On select evenings, the 3F Main Plaza transforms into an adult-oriented space beneath the lantern glow. A rotating monthly program — centered on "Books, Music, and Play" — runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with limited-edition cocktails inspired by the colorful lanterns available for purchase.

[BOOK] — June 19 (Fri) and 20 (Sat)

A pop-up "Book Truck" appears in the mall. Browse a selection of books and enjoy relaxed reading with the sea breeze and a drink in hand.

[ASOBI] — July 10 (Fri) and 11 (Sat)

An adults' play corner featuring giant Jenga, board game rentals, snack gashapon machines, and a coin fortune-telling booth from in-mall tenant "Uranai no Arena."

[MUSIC] — September 11 (Fri) and 12 (Sat)

A live DJ set by DJ SHUN, who has been a fixture of Yokohama's club scene for over 20 years. Song requests are welcome, making for a relaxed chill night under the lantern lights.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

To mark 20 years since opening, stores throughout Yokohama Bay Quarter will roll out limited campaigns and novelty giveaways starting in June 2026. From August 2026, 20th anniversary limited menus and products will also go on sale.

During the anniversary period, a stamp rally takes place throughout the mall. Participants receive a "Cruise Passport" — a nod to the mall's ship-inspired architecture — and collect an original stamp from each participating store with a qualifying purchase.

Collect 5 stamps and receive a 20th anniversary commemorative novelty gift — available to the first approximately 500 participants.

Access

Yokohama Bay Quarter is located at 1-10 Kanakucho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama. From Yokohama Station North East Exit A, cross the "Bay Quarter Walk" pedestrian bridge for a 3-minute walk. From Yokohama Station East Exit, go through Porta and the 2nd floor of Sogo department store — approximately 7 minutes on foot.