Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
On summer nights, 20,000 candles flicker across Nara Park's historic grounds in a serene sea of gentle light.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/08/05 10:00 – 2026/08/14
- Where
- Nara Park area（Nara Park, Nara City, Nara）
- City
- Nara
- Getting there
- Walk from Kintetsu Nara Stn
- Price
- Free
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Walk from Kintetsu Nara Stn Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- date night, culture seekers, families
Highlights
- About 20,000 candles across Nara Park
- Romantic, tranquil summer-evening atmosphere
- Historic temples and free-roaming deer nearby
Background & story
Started in 1999, Tokae ('flower of light') has become one of Nara's signature summer events, blending candlelight with ancient scenery.
Good to know
Wander between sites at dusk as the candles are lit. The deer of Nara Park roam free here — feed them respectfully with sold crackers.