Summer is a great time to be in Tokyo, with an array of festivals and fireworks displays taking place across the city. But there are also more traditional events happening, like the Toro Nagashi (floating lantern) nighttime festival at Chidorigafuchi Moat along the fringe of the Imperial Palace grounds. This popular light-up spectacle will take place again in 2025 on July 30 and 31 after sundown.
Over the course of two evenings, you can witness 2,000 beautiful paper lanterns floating on the water. The festival was first held in 1958 to comfort people after World War II.
You can just turn up and enjoy the sight for free. Or you could contribute to the spectacle by releasing your own lantern to the water. You can use the lantern to write down your hopes, dreams or prayers.
One way to immerse yourself in the event is to hop on a rowboat and send your lantern out onto the water while being surrounded by thousands of glowing lanterns. Participation is limited to just 60 groups per day and is determined by a lottery system, with registration open until June 17.
On the bright side, you can still design a lantern on the day of the event, even without a boat. As lantern supplies are limited, be sure to make a reservation for a lantern in advance online, which costs ¥2,000. You can pick up the lantern on the day, by showing the staff a QR code at the lantern pick-up point near Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier.
For a more exclusive experience, Hotel New Otani Tokyo is once again offering its lantern and boat ride accommodation plan (from ¥88,000), which guarantees a spot on the enchanting lantern boat ride and includes transportation to and from the venue. The floating lantern festival at Chidorigafuchi Moat runs from 7pm to 8pm on July 30 and 31. Note that the event will be cancelled in case of heavy rain and stormy weather.
For more information, check the event website.
This article was originally published on June 17 2022 and updated on June 13 2025.
More from Time Out Tokyo
These are the most affordable destinations to visit across Japan
Japan’s music community comes together to help those affected by the LA wildfires
Tokyo-based online broadcaster brings DJs into fish shops and classic cafés
Mint chocolate is trending in Tokyo right now
Survey: Tokyo has two of the world's top ten airports for 2025
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.