Into a World of Grace and Mystery: Arashiyama Lantern Festival

On summer nights in Kyoto, Arashiyama transforms into a dreamlike world during the Tōrō Nagashi, or Lantern Floating. First held in 1949 to honor the war dead, the ceremony has become a beloved tradition where families send off the spirits of their ancestors and pray for health and safety. Around Togetsukyo Bridge, Buddhist monks conduct a memorial service as lanterns with gentle flames are set adrift on the Katsura River, their shimmering light creating a mystical scene like a picture scroll brought to life.

Anyone can join by registering on the day, writing a wish on a lantern, and placing it on the water. As night falls, the mountain across the river is lit with the blazing torii-shaped fire of the Daimonji Festival. The breathtaking moment when the flickering lanterns and fiery silhouette overlap is one of Kyoto’s most unforgettable sights.

Getting there is simple—just 15 minutes by train from Kyoto Station to JR Saga-Arashiyama, or about 20 minutes on a direct line from central Kawaramachi to Hankyu Arashiyama. Perfect for a day trip, this magical summer night invites you to experience the harmony of Kyoto’s tradition, prayer, and beauty.