Mark your calendars for July 26th (Wed) and 27th (Thu), because the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace will come alive with 2000 flickering lanterns! In spring, Chidori-ga-fuchi is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. But during this summer event, the “Imperial Palace Chidori-ga-fuchi Floating Lantern Festival (Noryo no yube),” lanterns with wishes written on them will illuminate the water’s surface. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this incredible event!
Content
Japanese summer tradition: “Toro-nagashi”
The event is based on the Japanese summer tradition of “Toro-nagashi.” It was initiated in 1958 to heal the hearts of people devastated by the war. Originally, “Toro-nagashi” is a ceremony to mourn the souls of the deceased by floating lanterns in the sea or river, and it has become a summer tradition in Japan. The sight of numerous lanterns floating in the moat is breathtaking. Many people joining the event choose to wear yukata, a traditional Japanese summer garment. Japanese people enjoy it when foreigners try their traditional clothing. So, if you have a yukata, why not wear it, too?
Make a wish!
On the day of the event, you can simply enjoy the sight of the lanterns floating in the moat, but why not purchase a lantern? You can write your wishes, prayers, and messages on the lanterns at the tourist information center or sales office on the day of the event! The fee is 1,500 yen per lantern, and there are three ways to purchase one.
Web reservation purchase:
You can apply online until Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the following link: https://amarys-jtb.jp/chiyoda2023lantern/ (Japanese, English).
Advance purchase at the tourist information center:
Lanterns are available for purchase until July 25, 2023 (Tuesday) at the Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center.
Address: 1-6-17 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
10:00 – 18:00 (lanterns can be purchased until 17:30)
Closed on July 23, 2023
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ryUdYj8BwXZXFnXQ6
Please note that the number of lanterns is limited.
On-site purchase on the day of the event:
Lanterns can be bought from the lantern sales place near Chidori-ga-fuchi boat pier during the reception period on July 26 (Wed) and 27 (Thu), 2023, from 16:30 to 19:00.
It is recommended to make an advance purchase as lanterns may sell out on the day or the event may be crowded, leaving less time for writing your wishes. Enjoy the fantastic world created by the 2,000 lanterns floating in the moat of Chidori-ga-fuchi!
Imperial Palace Chidori-ga-fuchi Floating Lantern Festival Event Details
Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/floating.lantern/
Date: July 26th (Wednesday) and 27th (Thursday), 2023, from 19:00 to 20:00
Venue: Chidori-ga-fuchi Boat Pier (2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku) to Kudanzaka Park (2-2-18 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku)
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/jkxKvv5CMUrvaiDJA
Nearest stations: Kudanshita Station, Hanzomon Station
Note: The event will be canceled in case of rain or stormy weather. The lottery for the “boat lantern” that participates in the event by boat has already ended.
