Nara invites you to light your own candle and lantern on the festival grounds! By participating in the event your experience of the spiritual nature, atmosphere and tradition of the Tokae will be enhanced. Your donation of 1,000 yen pays for candles for next year’s event. By participating, your light multiplies and grows into the following year and beyond! Date & Time: From August 5 to August 14, 19:00 to 21:30 (Participation accepted from: 19:00 to 21:00) Reception Counter: Ukigumoenchi East side Participation Fee: 1,000 yen ( “Sange” (flowers) will be offered to participants as a commemorative gift) ※The festival may be canceled due to traffic or weather conditions.

The candlelight spreading over the entire area reminds us of the story of the Milky Way on the ground, where the two women are allowed to meet once a year. If you light each light with your wish in mind, it will surely come true. Why not cross the Milky Way with someone special this summer... 【Period: 8/5 - 8/14】

Guided by the bamboo lanterns, the Asajigahara emerges fantastically as soon as you step inside. Candlelight interspersed among bamboo objects accentuates the beauty of the shadows of the overgrown trees. One wonders if people from ancient times might wander out of the jet-black darkness, lured by the lights. Standing there in the light, we can't help but long for the ancient people to appear. 【Period 8/5-8/14】

The golden glow of the Ukimido, the candlelight that frames the Sagi-ike Pond, and the small boats drifting on the surface of the water that reflect it vividly. A small boat drifting on the surface of the water reflecting them vividly. It is truly a moon boat paddling through a forest of stars. The heavenly world that Manyoshu poets imagined when they looked up at the night sky is now here, The world of the heavens that Manyo poets imagined when they looked up at the night sky now comes vividly to life from the depths of the water. Rowing in the small boat, you can feel the heavenly inhabitants for a moment... 【Period 8/5-8/14】

Sarusawa pond where the sad legend of Uneme remains. Fireflies blink lonely blue, and the candlelight reflected on the surface of the water shakes as if it comforts the lamenting Uneme. The scenery is so calm and beautiful that one forgets the passage of time, vividly reviving the sad legend. While remembering the image of your loved ones beyond the candlelight, you spend your time in your mind by the pond. 【Period 8/5-8/14】

The building entrance features a cafe offering a wide selection of delicious food and drinks! Enter the courtyard and enjoy the magical atmosphere created by candlelight and interactive tree illuminations. 【Period: 8/5 - 8/14】

The north approach to the temple, illuminated by soft lights, has a dignified air. The To-kondo Hall and the five-story pagoda emerge beyond. The solemn atmosphere of the pagodas, lit by candlelight, is solemn and mysterious. Then, the faint lights leading to the National Treasure Hall. It is a peaceful moment when you can see the Buddha with a different expression from that of the daytime. 【Period 8/5-8/14】

The Western-style house standing nearby hides its beautifully shining figure in the shade of a tree and watches the moon, as if enjoying the moonlight. Looking up at the sky, we remember the days when we used to call the moon "Otsukisama" with heartfelt friendliness, and we are often enveloped by the moonlight. 【Period 8/5-8/14】

The Todaiji Temple, which Emperor Shomu spent his life building, is said to have been lit by as many as 15,000 lights at the memorial service for the Rushanabutsu. In the light of the lamps, the emperor and people must have sincerely wished for peace. More than 1,000 years later, we light each candle with the same wish as the people of the Tenpyo period. 【Aug.13-14 only】

Yamato is a country where a great and precious god resides. As you take each step along the approach to the shrine, the air becomes tighter and tighter, and you realize the presence of the god of Yamato. The shrine, illuminated by the light of many lanterns and candles, emerges from the darkness and takes your breath away. The beautiful appearance of the shrine, shining in vermilion and free from any impurities, is befitting of a great god of nobility. 【Aug.14 only】