A Special Summer Night in Asakusa – Wear a Yukata and Join Toro Nagashi
One of the famous summer events in Asakusa is the fireworks festival, but there’s another well-known event as well.
That event is the “Toro Nagashi” ceremony.
While it’s an ancient Japanese tradition, many people might not know what this event actually entails.
Let’s introduce the “Toro Nagashi” event in Asakusa.
What Is the Toro Nagashi Event in Asakusa?
Toro Nagashi is a traditional event during the Obon period, which has been observed for a long time. There are various Obon events, including summer festivals, Bon dances, and even fireworks festivals held in line with the season.
Obon events can be categorized into “active” and “quiet” events, where festivals and Bon dances fall into the former category.
On the other hand, Toro Nagashi is considered a “quiet” event. Similar events include the Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji) bonfires.
Toro Nagashi is a ceremony to send off the souls of deceased family members who return during the Obon season. It involves placing offerings on water bodies such as the sea or river, then lighting lanterns and setting them adrift.
While different regions have variations in the way it’s done, many places have discontinued placing offerings on the water due to concerns about the environment. Nowadays, the event mainly involves floating lanterns.
It has become more like a summer festival with a unique and enchanting atmosphere, gaining international fame as a symbol of Japan’s cultural beauty. Many foreign tourists also visit to witness this spectacle.
Date and Participation for Asakusa Toro Nagashi
The Asakusa Toro Nagashi event began as a way to commemorate and honor those who lost their lives in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo air raids during World War II.
Today, it is renowned for its large-scale and enchanting display that attracts attention worldwide.
The event is scheduled to take place on August 11, 2018 (Saturday), with a rain delay if needed.
Time: 18:30 to 20:15
Location: Sumida River Park, Ryosui Terrace near Azumabashi Bridge
The fee is 1,500 yen per lantern.
Participation Steps:
-Registration will start at around 14:00, and it will end as soon as the lanterns run out.
-In the underground gallery, you can write the name and wishes for the deceased person (the one you are sending the lantern for) on your lantern.
-On the ground floor at the lantern platform, the staff will help you light the lanterns before releasing them.
Etiquette for Asakusa Toro Nagashi
Toro Nagashi is not a festival. It’s primarily a ceremony to remember and send off deceased family members.
As such, there are no food stalls or festivities like at traditional festivals.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to dress plainly; in fact, wearing a colorful yukata is very welcome.
While it may not be a lively event, like Bon dances, it’s still an occasion to bring joy to your ancestors. So, dressing in a lively manner is undoubtedly a good idea.
The beauty of Toro Nagashi lies not only in participating but also in immersing yourself in its serene and enchanting atmosphere.
As you gaze at the lanterns floating away on the water, take the time to contemplate various thoughts. “Contemplating” here implies more than just thinking; it suggests having a sense of distance.
Contemplate things that are far away—distant loved ones, matters that are usually far from your thoughts, people and things that you don’t usually feel close to. This is what “contemplating” means in this context.
Amidst the profound stillness and beauty of this event, why not take the opportunity to think about something you wouldn’t normally consider?
Asakusa Toro Nagashi is a way to create quiet summer memories. How about enjoying a yukata stroll while renting a yukata for a special and unconventional summer night?
Author of this article
Kimono rental Rikawafuku Asakusa store
(Operating company: TripFarm Co., Ltd.)
By 2023, more than 230,000 people will be wearing kimonos in a year
2-16-9 HULIC & New Kaminarimon 6F, Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0034
3 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
1 minute walk to Kaminarimon
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