Nara Tokae 2026: Twenty Thousand Candles in Nara Park
Kansai · NaraIllumination
For ten nights every August, more than 20,000 candles are set out across Nara Park, turning the lawns, ponds and temple approaches of Japan’s first permanent capital into a landscape of small flames.
Overview
Nara Tokae (なら燈花会) is a candle illumination held across Nara Park each August. It began in 1999 and the 2026 edition, the 28th, drew more than 850,000 visitors over ten evenings. The name refers to toka, the flower-shaped bead of wax that forms on a burning wick — traditionally read in Japan as a sign of good fortune.
Unlike the LED-heavy winter illuminations found in most Japanese cities, Tokae uses real candles in simple cups, laid out in patterns across open ground. The effect is quiet rather than spectacular, and the deer that live in Nara Park wander freely among the lights.
When and Where
Nara Tokae runs on fixed dates every year: 5–14 August. In 2026 that meant Wednesday 5 August to Friday 14 August. Candles are lit nightly from 19:00 to 21:30.
Nine venues were used in 2026, spread through Nara Park: Ukigumo Enchi, Asajigahara, Ukimido, Sarusawa Pond and the Fifty-Two Steps, the Kasugano International Forum, Kofuku-ji, the plaza in front of the Nara National Museum, Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha. Two of those open only at the very end — Todai-ji on 13–14 August, and the Kasuga Taisha approach on 14 August alone.
Nearest station: Kintetsu Nara Station, roughly 10–20 minutes on foot to the western venues.
What to Expect
- Over 20,000 candles lit each evening, placed and collected by more than 2,000 volunteers.
- Ukimido, a hexagonal pavilion on Sagiike Pond, reflected in still water ringed with light — the most photographed spot of the event.
- The Kasugano field venue, the largest open expanse of candles, with Todai-ji and Mount Wakakusa dark behind it.
- The Todai-ji venue, which echoes the record that 15,000 lamps were lit for the consecration of the Great Buddha under Emperor Shomu.
- Kasuga Taisha’s single night on 14 August, which coincides with the shrine’s own Chugen Mantoro lantern rite.
- An ikkyaku itto participation slot (19:00–21:00 reception at Ukigumo Enchi) where visitors light a candle themselves.
Admission and Tickets
Entry is free at all venues. Individual temples and shrines may charge their own admission if you go inside, and the ikkyaku itto candle-lighting experience carries a separate fee. No tickets or reservations are needed to walk the route.
The event goes ahead in light rain. There is no event parking at all — the organisers ask everyone to arrive by public transport.
Tips for Visitors
Start at Sarusawa Pond around 19:00 and walk east toward Ukimido and Ukigumo Enchi as the sky darkens; the light improves as you go. Bring a torch for the unlit stretches between venues, and expect to carry your rubbish out — there are no bins. Tripods are not permitted. And whatever you are carrying, do not feed the deer.
Access and Map
| Dates | 5–14 August annually (2026: 5–14 August, 28th edition) |
|---|---|
| Time | 19:00–21:30 nightly |
| Venue | Nara Park, Nara City (nine venues incl. Ukimido, Ukigumo Enchi, Kofuku-ji) |
| Nearest station | Kintetsu Nara Station (10–20 min walk) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | toukae.jp |
Source: Nara Tokae Official Site
Image: Photo: かるちる / Wikimedia Commons (CC0) — licence
