Nara Tokae Lantern Festival 2024: See 20,000 Enchanting Candles!

Nara Tokae Lantern Festival 2024

If you're visiting Nara between August 5 and August 14 this year, you'll find the center of the city enveloped in the gentle light of 20,000 candles in the evenings! This is the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival, an annual event held to coincide with Obon celebrations in Japan, held in the memory of those departed.

The light-up can be enjoyed every evening from 19:00 to 21:30 during the festival period.

Known for its nostalgic charm and the soothing glow of candlelight, Nara Tokae has become a symbol of tranquility and spiritual enrichment for locals and visitors alike. Established in 1999, this cultural celebration has woven candlelight seamlessly into the fabric of Nara's heritage, evoking a myriad of emotions and touching the hearts of all who partake.

For a brief but magical span of 10 days each summer, the landscapes of Nara are transformed as candles blossom amidst the lush greenery and rich historical sites.

This year's festival promises an awe-inspiring display with around 20,000 candles illuminating the paths and structures in Nara Park, Kashima Jingu Shrine, and other venues, creating a breathtaking ambiance.

Notably, 2,500 lanterns will encircle the magnificent Great Buddha Hall, casting a mesmerizing glow that enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the event.

For 500 yen, you can purchase your own candle and light it up in a designated corner of the display.

Visit the reception at the Kasugano International Forum I-RA-KA on festival days between 19:00 and 21:00 if you'd like to buy a candle. The 500-yen fee is considered a donation supporting the festival.

The festival's enchanting display of candlelight against the backdrop of Nara's historic sites encapsulates the essence of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Enthusiasts of culture, tradition, and serene beauty eagerly await the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of candlelight illuminating the ancient capital of Nara once more.

Nara Tokae Lantern Festival 2024

Venues: Nara Park, the Sarusawa Pond, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, and others: complete venue list
Dates: August 5 - 14, 2024
Website: https://www.toukae.jp/ (Japanese)