嵐山灯籠流し Arashiyama Toro Nagashi
On the night of Aug 16 about 10,000 lanterns are floated down the Katsura River at Togetsukyo Bridge to send off the spirits of the dead, on the same night as the Gozan Okuribi.
- Where
- 渡月橋付近（桂川）
- How to enjoy it
- Same night as the Gozan fires, so Arashiyama is busy. Paid viewing seats exist.
Background
August 16 marks the end of Obon, when ancestral spirits are sent off. Kyoto holds the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires, and in the evening lanterns are floated on the Katsura River near Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, carrying prayers for ancestors.
What to see
- Lanterns drifting down the river
- Same day as the Okuribi bonfires (lit at 20:00), easy to combine
- Summer night atmosphere around Togetsukyo Bridge
- An Obon farewell tradition
Timeline
- Aug 16 evening
- Lantern floating (after sunset)
- Aug 16 around 20:00
- Okuribi bonfires lit (Daimonji first)
How to watch
- Free viewing along both banks
- The bridge area gets crowded, arrive early
- Combine with the bonfires: lanterns in the evening, Daimonji lighting at 20:00
Getting there
About 5-10 min on foot from Randen Arashiyama or Hankyu Arashiyama Station to Togetsukyo Bridge.
Good to know
Is it held in the rain?
May be cancelled in bad weather; check before going.
Do I need a reservation?
No, viewing is free.
Can visitors float their own lanterns?
Usually done by organizing groups; check with the organizer for public participation.
How does it relate to the Daimonji bonfires?
Both are Obon events on Aug 16: lanterns in the evening, bonfires lit at 20:00.