The Bamboo Lantern Festival on the Miura Peninsula 2026 is taking place at six temples in Yokosuka and Miura.

Each participating temple displays approximately 300 to 500 handcrafted bamboo lanterns around its grounds. As evening falls, the lanterns are illuminated, giving the temple grounds a different appearance from the daytime.

The festival began at Fudanji Temple on July 4 and continues at Fukusenji Temple on July 26, followed by events at Tozenji Temple, Jorakuji Temple, Enpukuji Temple, and Manshoji Temple in August.

Dates and programs vary by venue, so check the schedule for the temple you plan to visit before traveling.

Bamboo Lanterns Created from Locally Sourced Bamboo

The bamboo used for the lanterns comes from bamboo-grove maintenance work carried out around the Miura Peninsula. By transforming the cut bamboo into lanterns, the festival connects environmental conservation with the continuation of local culture.

Young Buddhist priests lead the lantern-making process, beginning with cutting the bamboo and continuing through each stage of production. Members of the temple communities and local residents also take part, creating the lanterns together.

Held during the Tanabata and Obon seasons, the festival includes Tanabata decorations, Bon dancing, and a letter-writing memorial activity. Visitors can write messages to deceased loved ones and ancestors and place the letters in a dedicated mailbox.

Along with the illuminated bamboo lanterns, each temple offers its own program of music, workshops, festival games, food vendors, and other activities.

Next Event: Fukusenji Temple on July 26

Fukusenji Temple | July 26

The event at Fukusenji Temple in Miura City will be held on Sunday, July 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A community disaster-preparedness program begins at 5:00 p.m. in the temple’s assembly hall.

From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., visitors can join an art workshop using colored ink and enjoy chiffon cake and coffee in another temple hall.

Inside the main hall, the MiU-La Project begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by a jazz performance at 7:00 p.m.

Tanabata decorations, the letter-writing memorial activity, and a stamp rally for children will be available throughout the event. A dining area and six food trucks are also planned.

Access: Approximately 18 minutes on foot from Misakiguchi Station on the Keikyu Line

Parking: Approximately 15 spaces

Address: 1020 Mito, Hasse-machi, Miura, Kanagawa

Telephone: 046-888-1959

Four More Temple Events in August

Tozenji Temple | August 1 and 2

Tozenji Temple in Yokosuka will host the festival on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On August 1, a Bon dance will begin on the temple grounds at 6:00 p.m.

On August 2, a relaxation area will be set up inside the main hall from 6:00 p.m.

The first floor of the temple hall will feature vendor booths, workshops, and a small festival-game area. Tanabata decorations, the letter-writing memorial activity, and a stamp rally for children are also planned.

Access: Approximately five minutes on foot from the Minamitake-iriguchi bus stop

Parking: Approximately 35 spaces

Address: 2-12-13 Take, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Telephone: 046-856-0221

Jorakuji Temple | August 14 and 15

Jorakuji Temple in Ashina, Yokosuka, will host the festival on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

On August 14, a Japanese-style nighttime test of courage that includes a visit to the grave of MAEJIMA Hisoka will begin at 8:00 p.m. A sparkler event will follow at 8:30 p.m.

On August 15, an Urabon-e Buddhist memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by Bon dancing from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tanabata decorations and the letter-writing memorial activity will be available on both days. Approximately ten food trucks are scheduled to attend each day.

Access: Approximately three minutes on foot from the Ashina bus stop

Parking: 15 spaces

Address: 2-30-5 Ashina, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Telephone: 046-856-8622

Enpukuji Temple | August 23

Bamboo lanterns will illuminate Enpukuji Temple in Miura City on Sunday, August 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The temple will hold a special viewing of its Jizo statue from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The letter-writing memorial activity and a special bamboo-lantern-themed goshuin temple seal will also be available throughout the day. Three vendors are scheduled to open from 5:00 p.m.

Parking: 20 spaces

Address: 258 Kaneda, Minamishitaura-machi, Miura, Kanagawa

Telephone: 046-888-0038

Manshoji Temple | August 30

Manshoji Temple in Yokosuka will host the final event on Sunday, August 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A performance by forblue, a band formed by Buddhist priests, is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

The letter-writing memorial activity and Tanabata wish strips will be available throughout the event, and three vendors are scheduled to attend.

Access: If traveling via Kinugasa Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, board a Keikyu Bus at the Kinugasa-jujiro bus stop and get off at the Manshoji bus stop.

Parking: 10 spaces

Address: 1-5-10 Oyabe, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

Telephone: 046-836-2317

Bamboo Lantern Festival on the Miura Peninsula 2026: Event Information

Festival period: Saturday, July 4–Sunday, August 30, 2026

Individual event dates vary by temple.

Lantern lighting: Generally from around 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Times vary by venue and weather conditions.

The event at Tozenji Temple ends at 8:30 p.m., while the event at Manshoji Temple ends at 8:00 p.m.

Event participation: Free

Some activities, food, drinks, and items sold by vendors require payment.

Venues: Fudanji Temple, Fukusenji Temple, Tozenji Temple, Jorakuji Temple, Enpukuji Temple, and Manshoji Temple

Official information: Bamboo Lantern Festival on the Miura Peninsula 2026 official event page

Visitor Guidelines

Children of elementary school age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation when traveling to the temples.

Please avoid making excessive noise at night, take your trash home, and be considerate of nearby residents.

Choose a Temple That Matches Your Schedule

The Bamboo Lantern Festival is not a single event held continuously at one location.

Instead, visitors can travel to different temples in Yokosuka and Miura throughout the summer, experiencing a different lantern display and program at each venue.

Programs include jazz, Bon dancing, a nighttime test of courage, a performance by a band of Buddhist priests, and a special bamboo-lantern-themed goshuin temple seal.

Whether you are interested in family activities, music, Buddhist memorial traditions, or illuminated temple grounds, each venue offers a different way to experience the Tanabata and Obon seasons.

Lighting times may vary depending on the venue and weather conditions. Check the latest event information before traveling.