Lantern Festival in Shiga~Autumn Leaves and Light in Night Sky

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Lantern Nights in Shiga｜Konan & Katata Guide + TORU TOUR Private Car

Two dreamy lantern festivals—one amid autumn leaves, one over Lake Biwa’s mirror-like surface. Below you’ll find festival overviews, access, pro shooting tips, and our private-car tour with price and booking.

Lantern events in Shiga typically run in early November (dates vary by year). Because spots and tickets sell out quickly, please book early to secure both lantern participation and car pickup.

🚗 Kansai pickup available (Kyoto/Osaka/Nara/Shiga) 💴 Tour price: ¥10,000 per group 🏮 Lantern add-on: extra fee (advance reservation) ⚡️ Early booking recommended

1) Konan Kōyō (Autumn Leaves) Lantern Festival

At Yasu River Waterside Park in Konan City, soft lantern glow meets autumn foliage—cozy, photogenic, family-friendly.

Highlights. Maple leaves + lantern glow, local market & food trucks, pet-friendly areas; eco-conscious lanterns (tethered).
Access. Konan City, Shiga. TORU TOUR provides direct car pickup (see plan below). Independent access: local buses are limited; driving is common and parking crowds early.
Pro Tips. Shoot the blue hour as the sky shifts from cobalt to night. Bring layers—after sunset it gets chilly. Wind may affect lantern operations.
Venue example: Yasu River Waterside Park (Konan City)

Note: Dates and participation rules change annually—please check the official info near your travel date. High demand → book early.

2) Katata Lantern Night (Katata Kozoku Festa)

Lanterns over Lake Biwa with reflections on the water—rare, cinematic, and very “wow” for night photography.

Highlights. Lakeside & on-water lantern experience (ticketed), day market & short cruises, romantic evening ambience.
Access. Ōtsu City (near Biwako Ohashi area). TORU TOUR offers private-car pickup (see plan). Independent travelers often combine buses + taxi; expect evening cold by the lake.
Pro Tips. The “just-after-sunset” window delivers the strongest water reflections. If you join the on-water experience, protect gear from spray and bring gloves.
Area: Biwako Ohashi / Katata (Ōtsu City)

Note: On-water lanterns require advance tickets (limited). Please book early to avoid sellouts.

TORU TOUR｜Private Car Lantern Night Plan

What’s included.
  • Private car round-trip from the Kansai area (Kyoto / Osaka / Nara / Shiga) with door-to-door pickup.
  • Flexible timing to match lantern operations and best light (blue hour).
  • On-site guidance to photogenic spots + short breaks at local market/food stalls.
  • Language support (EN / JP; others on request).
Price.
  • ¥10,000 per group (tax included) for the private car tour.
  • Lantern participation is optional and requires an extra fee (actual ticket / lantern cost).
  • Upon request, we reserve lantern participation on your behalf (advance purchase at cost + handling as agreed).
Good to know.
  • Events are weather/ wind dependent; operations may change on short notice.
  • Evenings get cold—bring warm layers and gloves.
  • Parking fills early; private-car pickup avoids parking stress.

Spots and tickets are limited. Because reservations are approaching and sellouts are common, please make your booking as soon as possible.

DM to Yoshizaki (Instagram) Email: YOUR-EMAIL@YOUR-DOMAIN WhatsApp: +XX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Preferred contact: DM / Email / WhatsApp. Please include your desired date, pickup location, group size, and whether you want lantern participation reserved.

FAQ

When are these lantern events held?

Generally in early November, but dates vary yearly. We’ll confirm the latest official schedule during booking.

Is lantern participation included?

It’s an optional add-on with extra fee (ticket/lantern cost). We can arrange it for you in advance.

Where can you pick us up?

Anywhere in the Kansai area (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Shiga). Exact time and location are coordinated after booking.

What if the event is canceled due to weather?

We’ll advise alternatives (e.g., night photo tour / lakeside night view). Lantern fees follow the event organizer’s policy.

Any photo tips?

Blue hour is king. Use faster shutter speeds if it’s windy. Bring spare batteries; night video drains power fast.

Curated by TORU TOUR · Details (dates/tickets/prices) are subject to change by organizers. Maps are for orientation only. Please book early to secure pickup and lantern participation.

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