Three Mystical Encounters in Kanagawa—Only at Night

When the sun dips below the horizon, Kanagawa Prefecture reveals a side of itself that feels quietly magical. Ancient shrines glow under lantern light, coastlines shimmer like gemstones, and towering flames dance against the winter sky. These are not sights meant for the daytime—they are experiences that come alive after dark, when tradition, nature, and imagination intertwine.

Just south of Tokyo, Kanagawa offers easy access to some of Japan’s most atmospheric nighttime festivals. From softly illuminated mountain paths to dazzling seaside illuminations and unforgettable fire rituals rooted in centuries-old beliefs, these events invite travelers to slow down, stay the night, and step into a different rhythm of Japan. Each one reflects a deep connection to local communities and seasonal traditions, creating memories that linger long after the lights fade or the flames die down.

Here are three mystical encounters in Kanagawa that can only truly be experienced at night.

Oyamaetourou: Oyama Illustrated-Lantern Festival

Held every August on the sacred slopes of Mount Oyama, the Oyama Illustrated-Lantern Festival transforms a historic pilgrimage route into a glowing corridor of light. As evening falls, thousands of lanterns illuminate the three-kilometer approach leading to Oyama Afuri Shrine, guiding visitors upward through the forest in a scene that feels both serene and otherworldly.

What makes this festival especially meaningful is its strong community spirit. The lanterns are not mass-produced decorations but hand-crafted works of art. Local elementary and junior high school students create whimsical lanterns from recycled milk cartons, while shops, inns, and businesses contribute beautifully illustrated paper lanterns. Together, they form a warm, personal expression of Oyama’s identity, blending creativity with tradition.

At the summit, the reward is extraordinary. The night view from Oyama Afuri Shrine—recognized in the Michelin Green Guide Japan—spreads out below, with the lights of the Kanto Plain shimmering in the distance. During the festival, the Oyama Cable Car operates at night, making the ascent easier while adding to the sense of occasion. Walking beneath the lanterns, accompanied by the soft sounds of summer insects and distant voices, feels like stepping into a living painting.

Access from Tokyo

From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line to Isehara Station (about 70 minutes). From there, take a bus to Oyama Cable Car stop (about 30 minutes), then ride the cable car up the mountain. Night services operate during the festival period.

Jewels of Shonan

From late November through to late February, 5–9pm, Enoshima Island becomes the stage for one of Japan’s most celebrated winter illumination events: Jewels of Shonan. As darkness settles over the coast, the island is transformed into a radiant world of light, where shimmering installations reflect the sea, sky, and seasonal atmosphere of Shonan.

Centered around Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and the iconic Enoshima Sea Candle lighthouse, the event extends across the island, encouraging visitors to wander and explore. Millions of LED lights create jewel-like displays that sparkle against the night air, while elevated viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of the illuminated island framed by the ocean. On clear evenings, the contrast between the cool blue of the sea and the warm glow of the lights is especially striking.

Jewels of Shonan has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the “Three Greatest Illuminations in Kanto” and a certified “Night View Heritage of Japan.” Yet despite its scale and prestige, it retains a romantic, almost dreamlike quality. Couples stroll hand in hand, photographers wait patiently for the perfect shot, and the sound of waves reminds you that nature is just as much a part of the spectacle as the lights themselves.

Access from Tokyo

From Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, take the JR Tokaido Line or Odakyu Line to Fujisawa Station, taking about 50–60 minutes. Transfer to the Enoden Line and ride to Enoshima Station, then walk for 15–20 minutes to reach Enoshima Island itself.

Oiso's Sagicho Festival

On a cold January evening, the quiet seaside town of Oiso erupts in flame during the Sagicho Festival, a powerful fire ritual that has continued since the Edo period (1603–1868) in honor of the Seenokamisan (roadside god). Held around Little New Year from 6:30pm to 8pm, this traditional event is deeply rooted in prayers for good health, household safety, and protection from misfortune in the year ahead.

Along the Kitahama coast, towering bonfires—some reaching seven to eight meters high—are constructed from bamboo, straw, and New Year’s decorations collected from local homes. At the appointed time, the fires are lit simultaneously from the year’s auspicious direction, sending sparks and embers swirling into the night sky. The sight is dramatic, primal, and unforgettable, with the roar of flames echoing against the sea.

The festival is rich with folk beliefs. Locals roast rice dumplings over the fire, said to protect against illness, while burned name slips that rise high into the air are believed to bring strength and growth. Pine embers taken home are used as charms against fire. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, Sagicho is not just a spectacle but a living tradition, sustained by the community’s participation and faith.

Access from Tokyo

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tokaido Line to Oiso Station, taking about 70 minutes. From the station, the festival sites along the Kitahama coast are reachable on foot in around 10–15 minutes.

Discover the magic of Kanagawa’s nightfall

As daylight fades, Kanagawa becomes a place of quiet wonder and unexpected intensity. Lanterns glow softly along mountain paths, winter lights turn islands into jewels, and sacred fires blaze beside the sea. These nighttime events are more than seasonal attractions—they are moments where history, community, and nature converge under the stars.

For travelers willing to linger after sunset, Kanagawa offers experiences that feel almost secret, as if revealed only to those who stay a little longer. Whether you find yourself walking through a corridor of lantern light, gazing out over a sparkling coastline, or warming your hands by a roaring bonfire, the nights here are filled with mystical and magical surprises waiting to be discovered.