Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Chidorigafuchi Moat is stunning during cherry blossom season, but it also lights up for this annual lantern floating festival known as Tōrō Nagashi.
What happens?
Around 2,000 lanterns will travel down Chidorigafuchi Moat, near the Imperial Palace, as the sun sets. The lanterns contain hopes and wishes for peace. The festival began in 1958 in order to lift morale after the war. A portion of the proceeds from lantern sales goes to maintaining the moat.
Boat rides and lanterns
Boat rides on the days in question cost ¥12,000 per boat (incl. three lanterns) but can only be booked through a lottery. Enter from June 5 to June 16, and results will be announced around June 24.
You can also just choose to purchase a lantern for ¥2,000. You must reserve one in advance (between June 5 and July 20) and then write on it at the venue. Note that you won’t personally get to float the lantern. You can pick up your lantern between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on each day of the event from near the Chidorigafuchi boat pier.
How to get there
Near the boat pier along Chidorigafuchi Moat.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 336 m from Hanzomon Station Hanzomon Line (Z5)
- 0.7 km from Kōjimachi Station Yurakucho Line (Y15)
- 1.0 km from Ichigaya Station Namboku Line (N9)Yurakucho Line (Y14)Shinjuku Line (S4)Chūō-Sōbu Line (JB25)
