HOME Tohoku Aomori Other Surrounding Areas Of Aomori Thousands of Lights Will Float Over Lake Towada This June

Thousands of Lights Will Float Over Lake Towada This June

• Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor

Date published: 1 June 2026

Looking for one of Japan’s most magical early summer night views? The 61st Towada Lake Festival will return on June 13, 2026, bringing a breathtaking light event to the shores of Lake Towada. This year’s newly refreshed experience, called Towada Lake Melty Light, invites visitors to release glowing balloon lanterns together into the night sky, creating a dreamlike scene where the lake and stars seem to melt into one another.

Held in celebration of the national park’s 90th anniversary, the event transforms the lakeside into a sea of floating orange and blue lights.

(Main image source: Towada Oirase Tourism Organization / Photo by Kuniya Oyamada)

At the heart of the festival is the Towada Lake Melty Light experience. Participants receive a helium balloon lantern fitted with an LED light, then release it simultaneously with hundreds of others at 8:15 PM. As the glowing balloons drift upward, their reflections shimmer across the dark waters of Lake Towada, creating an unforgettable panorama.

Before the launch, guests can decorate their lanterns with personal messages or wishes using special colored pens, making each one unique. Unlike traditional sky lanterns, the balloons remain attached to strings for environmental protection and are taken home afterward.

The combination of deep blue night skies, softly glowing lights, and the stillness of the lake promises a surprisingly emotional experience, especially for couples, photographers, and travelers searching for a quieter side of Japan’s summer festivals.

Lake Towada Festival Returns for Its 61st Year - Fireworks, Water, and Sound in Japan's North

While entry to the festival itself is free, participating in the lantern release requires a paid ticket (7,200 yen for regular admission, or 6,800 yen for early birds).

Participation in the Towada Lake Melty Light experience requires advance online purchase of a balloon lantern. Each lantern includes an LED light and can be personalized with your own message or wish before the mass release at 8:15 PM. Lantern pickup can be done from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and details can be found on the official website here.

You can easily spend much of the day at the festival. The Ichinomiya Ennichi area opens from 11 AM, with festival games, food trucks, and local specialties such as Towada Barayaki udon.

And you are exploring the festival grounds during the day, keep your eyes peeled for the Hidden Dragon God Hunt! Both Lake Towada and the nearby Towada Shrine are steeped in ancient dragon legends. To celebrate this local lore, special "hidden dragon" motifs are tucked away among the festival lanterns and decorations around the Ichinomiya Ennichi and central plaza areas. It is a fun, free mini-adventure that adds a touch of mythic charm to your lakeside stroll—and it is especially perfect for keeping kids entertained before the evening fireworks.

Live performances take the stage throughout the afternoon, building anticipation for the highlight of the evening: the lantern release at 8:15 PM. The festivities conclude with a dazzling fireworks display over the lake at 8:45 PM.

For a truly memorable experience, visitors can also reserve a spot on the Towada Lake Night Cruise and enjoy the glowing lanterns and fireworks from the water.

Because the festival's grand finale wraps up late in the evening, booking a stay nearby is highly recommended. Here are a few great lakeside options.

Lake Towada Day Trip Guide: Boat Tours, Autumn Foliage & Aomori's Most Scenic Lake