Itakura Illumi Night Market 2026: Make a Wish to the Night Sky

About this event

On Saturday, December 12, 2026, "Itakura Illumi Night Market 2026" will take place around the Itakura Town Hall and B&G Ocean Center. Along with illuminations adorning the winter night, visitors can enjoy a magical presentation where about 200 balloon lanterns are raised all at once. Holding softly glowing lanterns, it offers an opportunity to create special winter memories with family, friends, and loved ones. The venue features gourmet offerings from food trucks, workshops for children, and programs designed for both children and adults. Admission to the event is free, but participation in the balloon lantern launch requires the advance purchase of a dedicated ticket. The simultaneous balloon lantern launch is scheduled for around 17:00, taking place in conjunction with the illumination lighting following the mayor's greeting during the jazz concert. The lanterns are tethered LED models that do not use fire, and they are not released into the sky. Balloon lantern participation tickets cost 3,000 yen (tax included) per unit, sold in advance for a limited count of 200 units. The sales period runs from Sunday, November 1, 2026, to Saturday, December 5, 2026, sold on a first-come, first-served advance basis via LivePocket. For check-in and participation on the day, lantern check-in and handover will take place from 15:00 to 16:30 inside the B&G Ocean Center (Gymnasium), after which participants will gather at the designated area on the south side of Itakura Town Hall, followed by the illumination lighting and simultaneous lantern launch around 17:00. The event will generally proceed in the rain, but decisions regarding outdoor lantern launches will be made on the day. In the event that outdoor launching becomes difficult due to severe weather, the event will change to an alternative presentation, photo spot, and lantern handover inside the B&G Gymnasium. Cancellations and refunds due to customer convenience after ticket purchase are not accepted.

Venue

Itakura Town B&G Ocean Center

1062 Iwata, Itakura-machi, Ora-gun, Gunma 374-0133