Dating back to more than a decade ago, “Tokae” is a lantern festival that takes place every August in Nara. During this period, tens of thousand of candles are lit in the Nara Park, gardens, temples and shrines. Easily accessible on foot from the JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara stations, Tokae boosts beautiful illuminations, great food and a heartwarming atmosphere. This is an event not to be missed!
- 1 min read
Nara Tokae
A light festival that delights!
By Karen Zheng
Community writer
Nara Tokae near Ukimido Pavillion
Preparing for the lights festival
Nara Tokae - Festival lights up
Nara Tokae
Candles light up at Nara Tokae
A lady in traditional Japanese summer costume (Yukata).
Food stalls selling many delicious food
Food stalls selling many delicious food
Nara Tokae
Ukimido Pavillion
A boy looks on at the illuminated deer figure next to the shrine.
Explore nearby
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan
Planning - Sponsored -
2See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
3A Relaxed Mix of Sightseeing, Dining, and Shopping in Kanonji
Kagawa - Sponsored -
4Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
5A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
6Adventure Travel For All In Chitose
Hokkaido -
7Aichi Prefecture: The Heart of Japan’s Umami Culture
Aichi - Sponsored -
8Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
9Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
10Three Charms to Experience in Fukui: Zen, Taste & Adventure
Fukui - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
5Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
6Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
7March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
8The History of Japan: Era by Era
Culture -
9Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning -
10Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka