Fukushima Hachimangu Announces Postponement of 'Tanabata Kigan-sai' LED Sky Lantern Event Due to Rain Forecast

Fukushima Hachimangu (Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture) has announced the postponement of its 'Tanabata Kigan-sai' public sky lantern launch, originally scheduled for July 4, 2026 (Saturday), to July 19 due to rain forecasts. Prioritizing visitor safety, the shrine has decided to reschedule the event.

On July 19, the shrine will hold the 'Tentou Kigan-sai' (Heavenly Light Prayer Festival).

The Tentou Kigan-sai is a sacred ritual where lights and wishes are sent up to the heavens.

Participants will write their wishes on goldfish-shaped ema (votive tablets), attach them to LED sky lanterns, and release them into the night sky. Under the gentle glow illuminating the darkness, attendees can send their personal hopes, feelings for loved ones, and dreams for the future up to the heavens.

This special Tanabata ritual involves offering each participant's prayer before the kami (deity) and entrusting their wishes to the night sky.

Tentou Kigan-sai (Heavenly Light Prayer Festival) Overview

Date

July 19, 2026 (Sunday), Reiwa 8

Venue

Fukushima Hachimangu (105-1 Honmachi, Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture)

Registration

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Prayer Ceremony

7:30 PM –

Sky Lantern Launch

8:00 PM –

End

Approximately 8:30 PM

Participants

Limited to 100 groups (priority given to advance reservations) ※ Same-day registration may be available if capacity has not been reached

※ Advance reservations will close once the quota is filled

Offering Fee (Shinbyo-ryou)

5,000 yen per group Includes prayer service and one LED sky lantern

[Important Notes]

※ LED sky lanterns (non-flame) will be used.

※ The event may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather.

[Reservations]

Reservations can be made via the following link

About Fukushima Hachimangu

Fukushima Hachimangu is a Hachiman shrine located in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture. In recent years, in addition to traditional ceremonies and prayers, the shrine has been actively engaging the public through seasonal goshuin (temple stamps), night visits (Yomairi), pet blessing ceremonies, and cultural events, making the shrine more accessible and familiar to the community.