Nara Tokae 2026: 20,000 Candles Across Nara Park
Kansai · NaraIllumination
For ten nights in August, more than 20,000 candles are set out across Nara Park in one of Japan’s gentlest summer illuminations.
Overview
Nara Tokae is a candle event rather than a light show. Volunteers place tens of thousands of candles in small cups across nine venues in and around Nara Park — beside Sarusawa Pond, in the open fields of Ukigumo and Kasugano, along the approach to Todai-ji — and light them by hand each evening.
The name refers to the flower-shaped bead of wax that forms on a burning wick, long treated as a sign of good fortune. The 2026 edition was the 28th, and the organisers reported cumulative attendance of over 850,000 people across the ten nights.
When and Where
5–14 August 2026, from 19:00 to 21:30 each night. Not every venue runs the full stretch: the Todai-ji venue operated only on 13–14 August, and the Kasuga Taisha approach venue only on 14 August.
The venues are spread across the Nara Park area; walking between them takes 10–20 minutes each.
What to Expect
- Over 20,000 candles lit by hand every evening across nine venues
- The Sarusawa Pond venue, where the candles reflect off the water
- Wide fields of candles at Ukigumo Enchi and Kasugano
- The “Ikkyaku Itto” reception at Ukigumo Enchi, where visitors can light their own candle (19:00–21:00)
- More than 2,000 volunteer supporters running the lighting each night
Admission and Practicalities
Free. There is no ticket and no reserved seating.
There is no event parking and traffic restrictions apply across parts of the area during the run, so come by train and bus. Tripods are prohibited at all venues.
Tips for Visitors
Start at Sarusawa Pond around 19:00 and work east towards Ukigumo — you will be walking away from the crowds rather than into them.
The event is held in light rain, but a typhoon modified the programme on 12 August 2026, so check the official site before travelling on unsettled days.
Combine it with the Todai-ji night events in mid-August, which fall in the same window and are a few minutes’ walk apart.
Access and Map
| Dates | 5–14 August 2026 (28th edition) |
|---|---|
| Times | 19:00–21:30; some venues run fewer nights |
| Venue | Nara Park area, nine venues |
| Access | City loop bus from JR/Kintetsu Nara Station to Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae; several venues walkable from Kintetsu Nara Station |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Nara Tokae (NPO Nara Tokae no Kai) |
Source: Nara Tokae official website
Image: Photo: かるちる / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en)
