Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival
Summary and Key Takeaways
Step into a breathtaking winter fairytale at the Yamanakako Ice Candle & Sky Lantern Festival. Located at the base of Mount Fuji at Lake Yamanaka—the highest and closest of the Fuji Five Lakes—this magical, one-night-only event is a deeply local, hidden gem of the Japanese winter season. Travel in ... This private tour package is designed for travelers looking for an authentic and fully managed experience.
What is this tour?
It is a verified private travel experience bookable on Vaitour, offering tailored itineraries, private transport, and local expertise.
How to book this experience?
- Select your travel dates and group size.
- Review the customized pricing and itinerary options.
- Complete your secure booking online for instant confirmation.
For general travel advice regarding Japan, please check the official Japan National Tourism Organization guidelines.
Experience Overview
Step into a breathtaking winter fairytale at the Yamanakako Ice Candle & Sky Lantern Festival. Located at the base of Mount Fuji at Lake Yamanaka—the highest and closest of the Fuji Five Lakes—this magical, one-night-only event is a deeply local, hidden gem of the Japanese winter season. Travel in the ultimate comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle from Tokyo, escaping the freezing winter wait times of public transport. Your journey is perfectly timed to witness the legendary "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon, where the setting sun aligns flawlessly with the mountain's snowy peak. As darkness falls, the lakeshore comes alive with the glow of 5,000 handcrafted ice candles. The evening reaches a breathtaking crescendo as hundreds of glowing sky lanterns drift toward the stars, followed by a spectacular winter fireworks display reflecting off the icy waters. This is the ultimate "bucket list" experience for anyone visiting Japan in February.
Highlights
- Watch the sun set directly behind Mount Fuji's peak.
- Help locals light 5,000 handcrafted ice candles.
- Witness hundreds of glowing lanterns float to the stars.
- Enjoy a spectacular firework show over the icy lake.
What's Included
- Full-day private winter sightseeing experience (Approx. 10 hours).
- Exclusive use of a warm, comfortable, private vehicle.
- Professional English or Hindi-speaking driver/tour lead.
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from central Tokyo.
- All transportation costs (highway tolls, fuel charges, and parking fees).
- Basic travel insurance for peace of mind.
- Reserve Now, Pay Later options available.
What's Excluded / To Know
- Food and beverages (Enjoy hot street food at the festival!).
- Sky Lantern Purchase (Lanterns must be reserved/purchased in advance if you wish to release one).
- Candle Lighting Gear (Bring your own lighter if you wish to help!).
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.Driver/Guide gratuities (Optional, but highly appreciated).
- Please bring valid ID or Passport.
Tour Itinerary
Pickup: Multiple pickup locations
Meet your guide and group to begin your journey.
Oshino Hakkai Village
30 minsBegin your afternoon exploring this traditional, snow-covered heritage village. Wander around the eight sacred ponds fed by Mount Fuji’s melting snow, and warm up with fresh, hot street food like Tochi-mochi (roasted rice cakes).
Arakurayama Sengen Park
1 hourArrive at the perfect time for afternoon lighting to capture Japan’s most famous postcard view—the stunning five-story Chureito Pagoda standing tall with the snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background.
Lake Yamanaka "Diamond Fuji"
1 hourArrive at the Lake Yamanaka lakeshore just before sunset (around 4:30 PM). Position yourself to witness "Diamond Fuji," a spectacular natural phenomenon where the setting sun aligns directly with the mountain's peak, shining like a diamond.
Ice Candle Lighting
1 hourHead over to the Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara. From 4:30 PM onwards, watch—or even participate using your own lighter!—as locals light over 5,000 ice and wax candles placed across the snow, casting an ethereal glow across the venue.
Sky Lantern Release
2 hoursAt approximately 6:00 PM, the visual highlight of the night begins. Watch in awe as hundreds of glowing paper lanterns are released simultaneously, drifting up into the dark winter sky against the silhouette of Mount Fuji. (Note: To release your own lantern, tickets must be purchased separately in advance).
Winter Fireworks Finale
1 hourThe festival concludes with a high-impact, dazzling fireworks show starting around 6:30 PM. Watch the vibrant colors explode overhead and reflect beautifully off the dark, icy lake water before hopping into your warm private car for the drive back to Tokyo.
Drop-off: Same as Pickup
Your tour concludes here. We hope you had a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews(0)
🔒 Secure Payment - Locks seat for 15 minutes.
