Mitama Matsuri (Yasukuni Shrine Lantern Festival)
Over 30,000 golden lanterns light the approach to Yasukuni Shrine across four summer nights, with Aomori nebuta floats and bon-odori dancing.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/07/13 09:00 – 2026/07/16
- Where
- Yasukuni Shrine（3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo）
- City
- Tokyo
- Getting there
- 3-min walk from Kudanshita Station (Tozai/Hanzomon/Toei Shinjuku lines), Exit 1.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Yasukuni Shrine
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- 3-min walk from Kudanshita Station (Tozai/Hanzomon/Toei Shinjuku lines), Exit 1. 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
- culture seekers, families, date night
Highlights
- 30,000+ lanterns and bonbori lights
- Aomori nebuta float procession
- Bon-odori dancing and food stalls
Background & story
Begun in 1947, the festival is held to console the spirits of the war dead enshrined at Yasukuni; the thousands of lanterns are dedicated offerings honoring those souls.
Good to know
Lanterns glow best after sunset; arrive before 19:00 to beat the densest crowds on the main approach.