Experience the Magic: A Complete Guide to the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival is a lighting event that began in 1999, held annually in Nara Park for ten days in early August. During this enchanting festival, approximately 12,000 candles light up the entire Nara Park, creating a mesmerizing collaboration between the historic scenery of ancient Nara and the gentle glow of lanterns. The term “Tokae” refers to the flower-like shape that forms at the tip of a candle wick, which is considered a symbol of good fortune. The event is held across major tourist areas such as Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a serene experience of candlelight amid historical surroundings. The festival is run by volunteers from the NPO “Nara Tokae Association,” making it an inclusive event for locals and tourists alike.
History
- The festival was first held in 1999, and the “Nara Tokae Association” was established the following year.
- In 2008, a collaboration event with Tezuka Productions featured a display themed on “Phoenix,” a work by the famed Osamu Tezuka.
- In 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held without spectators and broadcast live online.
- In 2022, the in-person festival resumed after three years.
- By 2023, the festival spanned nine different venues, allowing visitors to enjoy the candlelight across Nara.
Highlights of the Festival
- Kasugano Lawn: Here, visitors can enjoy the captivating atmosphere created by the combination of candlelight with the illuminated Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple and Mount Wakakusa.
- Kofuku-ji Temple: The area surrounding Kofuku-ji Temple is enveloped in the soft, flickering glow of beautiful candles, adding a mystical touch to the historic temple grounds.
- Asajigahara Field: Visitors can appreciate the shadows created by candles placed on the ground and bamboo art installations, creating an interplay of light and dark.
- Ukimido Pavilion: Candles are placed around Ukimido, making the pavilion appear as if it is floating on light—a beautiful sight reflected in the surrounding waters.
- Sarusawa Pond and Fifty-Two Steps: The stone steps and entire pond area are lit with three-dimensional candle arrangements, enhancing the scenic beauty of this well-known spot.
Access
- From Osaka, visitors can take either the JR Yamatoji Rapid Line or Kintetsu Railway to JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station.
- Buses run from both Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station to the event venues. You can take buses bound for “Kasuga Taisha Honden,” “City Loop,” or “Takabatake-cho.”
- During the festival period, the roads around the venues can become very congested, so using public transportation is highly recommended.
- Travel time from Osaka to Nara is approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
- The entire Nara Park area is easily walkable, allowing visitors to explore the various venues on foot.
Important Notes
- Using tripods for photography is prohibited to ensure a safe experience for all visitors.
- Visitors are asked to take their trash home, as there are no trash cans available in Nara Park.
- Please do not feed the deer anything other than designated “deer crackers,” as other food is prohibited.
- Illegal parking is not allowed—please make use of public transportation.
- The event proceeds in light rain but may be canceled in the case of severe weather.
Conclusion
The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival is a beautiful event that combines history, culture, and natural beauty to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you are visiting Nara for the first time or a frequent traveler, the festival’s enchanting candlelight offers a unique perspective on this historic city. Take in the calmness, appreciate the artistry of the candles, and let yourself be immersed in the quiet magic of Nara’s illuminated nights.
