On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the “Sky Lantern 2026 & Shiga Prefecture Community Development Future Expo” will be held at [Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo] (Gamo District, Shiga Prefecture). This one-day-only event consists of the “Future Expo” during the day and the “Sky Lantern” event after sunset. For the grand finale, approximately 500 lanterns, each imbued with the wishes of visitors, will be lit simultaneously, illuminating the night sky.
At the Future Expo, the “Shiga Prefecture Local Market” will be held, featuring organizations involved in tourism and local products from across Shiga Prefecture. In addition to a gathering of specialty products, fresh vegetables, and local delicacies, the event will feature a variety of activities for children, including a “Working Vehicles Corner,” sports experiences, animal interactions, and a festival fair. Sky lantern releases are available by advance reservation or on the day of the event, and up to four people can participate per lantern.
While you're out shopping this fall, be sure to enjoy Shiga's culinary delights and a variety of experiences.

[Shiga Prefecture Local Market]
Event Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

[Work Vehicles Corner]
Exhibits of Self-Defense Forces and police vehicles and excavators, plus hands-on ride experiences
Event Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
*There is a fee for riding in the excavator.

[Sports Corner]
Sports Experience Hosted by the "Toshiba Rose Shiga" Volleyball Team
Event Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

[Mini Pigs & Reptiles & Insects Petting Area]
Event Hours: Mini Pigs 12:00 PM–5:30 PM; Reptiles and Insects 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
*There is a fee for the hands-on experience.

[Festival Corner]
Activities popular with children, such as superball scooping, are now available
Event Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Prices: Starting at 300 yen per session

[Sky Lantern 2026]
Registration Location: P7 Parking Lot, Special Event Venue
Lantern Pickup Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Lantern Release / 7:30 p.m.–
Participation Fee: 1,000 to 3,000 yen per bottle
*Prices vary depending on conditions.
*Please note that on-site registration may close once the event reaches capacity.
*Payment must be made in cash on the day of the event.