Hello and welcome!

This is Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store(´꒳`) 

 

 

Welcome to one of the most magical summer events in Nara Japan!

 

The famous Nara Tokae Lantern Festival 2026 will be held again this year from:

📅 August 5 (Tue) – August 14 (Fri), 2026

 

During this special 10-day event,

Nara Park and surrounding historical areas are illuminated with thousands of candle lights,

creating a breathtaking and romantic atmosphere.

 

It is also one of the most searched experiences for:

👉 “Nara yukata rental”

👉 “Nara summer night festival”

👉 “Things to do in Nara at night”

🕯️ What is the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival?

The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival is one of the most iconic summer events in Nara, Japan.

First started in 1999, it will celebrate its 28th anniversary in 2026 🎉

 

For just 10 nights in August, thousands of candles light up the ancient capital of Nara,

creating a dreamlike landscape where nature and history meet.

 

📍 Event period: August 5–14

⚠️ Some special venues open only on specific dates:

Todai-ji area: Aug 13–14 (night illumination)
Kasuga Taisha approach: Aug 14 only

 

✨ “Tokae” means a flower-shaped flame formed at the tip of a candle wick,

considered a symbol of good luck.

Each candle is lit with wishes for happiness and peace for every visitor.

📍 Best Nara Tokae Festival Spots You Should Visit

① Ukigumo Garden｜Main Candle Field ✨

A vast field filled with candle lights like a Milky Way on the ground 🌌

It feels like the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi (Japanese Star Festival) coming to life.

 

📸 Perfect for first-time visitors and Instagram photos!

👉 A must-visit highlight of Nara Tokae Festival

 

② Ukimido｜Floating Lantern Reflection 🌙

A beautiful pavilion reflecting on the water surface 🕯️

The candle lights shimmering on the lake create a magical romantic view.

 

💑 Very popular for couples

🚣‍♀️ Boat rides are also available!

📸 One of the best night photography spots in Nara

 

③ Asajigahara｜Peaceful Bamboo Light Area 🎋

A quiet and mystical bamboo-lit path.

Soft candle lights between bamboo art installations create a calm and spiritual atmosphere.

✨ Recommended for visitors who want to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxing walk.

④ Todai-ji Temple Area｜World Heritage & Light 🏯

⚠️ Lighting: Aug 13–14 only

 

Home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), Todai-ji is one of Japan’s most important temples.

Historical records say over 15,000 lanterns were once dedicated here for peace and prayers.

✨ Today, candle lights during Tokae echo that ancient spiritual atmosphere.

 

📸 One of the most iconic night views in Nara

 

⑤ Kasuga Taisha Approach｜Sacred Forest Path 🌲

⚠️ Lighting: Aug 14 only

 

A deeply spiritual forest path leading to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

The red shrine buildings glow beautifully under candlelight and traditional lanterns.

 

🌿 A peaceful and sacred experience unique to Nara.

👉 Perfect for travelers seeking a calm and spiritual night walk

 

⑥ Nara Kasugano International Forum Area｜Food & Festival Street 🍴

A lively area filled with food stalls and street vendors 🍧

 

Enjoy:

Japanese shaved ice (kakigori)

Local snacks

Festival food

 

✨ Eat, walk, and enjoy the candle-lit atmosphere at the same time!

📸 A popular keyword searched as “Nara Tokae food stalls”

👘 Yukata Rental Tips for Nara Tokae Festival

⏰ ① Busy hours (3 PM – 6 PM)

Since the festival starts at 7 PM, the rental shop becomes very busy from 3 PM to 6 PM.

 

🕒 Dressing normally takes:

45–60 minutes (usual)
60–90 minutes (festival season due to crowds)

 

👉 Recommended arrival: Morning – 2 PM

This allows you to enjoy Nara sightseeing before sunset 🌿

 

👟 ② Comfortable shoes recommended

The festival area is very large and involves a lot of walking.

 

We provide traditional sandals (geta), but:

✔ Sneakers

✔ Sandals

are also perfectly fine for comfort.

⏳ ③ Return time information

🕘 Final return time: 9:00 PM

The area becomes very crowded before the festival ends.

👉 Please return early for a smooth and stress-free experience.

 

🌙 ④ Next-day return option

For guests who want to enjoy Nara without time pressure:

✔ Night sightseeing

✔ Photo shooting

✔ Relaxed schedule

⚠️ ID copy required for next-day return option.

📅 Early Reservation Recommended

During the Nara Tokae Festival, yukata rental bookings fill up quickly.

Especially:

3 PM time slots

Weekends & holidays

 

👉 Early booking is strongly recommended!

📍 Our shop is located right next to the festival area, making access very convenient.

 

We recommend reserving your preferred plan in advance!

▼ Book online here:
 https://reserva.be/waplusbt

Follow us on Instagram for the latest information and customer outfit photos:
 https://www.instagram.com/waplusnara/

 

Please Note

※ Photos are examples. Actual inventory may vary.
※ Some kimonos may be unavailable due to rentals. Please check in advance.
※ Location photography requires prior reservation and may be affected by weather or crowd conditions.

🕯️ Create Magical Summer Memories at Nara Tokae Festival

Walk through Nara illuminated by thousands of candle lights,

surrounded by a dreamlike and romantic summer night atmosphere 🌙✨

 

Dressed in elegant yukata, you can enjoy a truly unforgettable experience as the historic city of Nara transforms into a glowing landscape of light and wishes 👘🕯️

 

Why not spend a special night in Nara during the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival and create memories that will last a lifetime? ✨

 

Let Waplus Nara Kimono Rental help you experience the beauty of Nara’s summer night (´꒳`)🎵

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you 🌸

 

*゜•.¸¸゜•.¸¸•.¸¸*

 

Kimono Rental Waplus Nara – Nara Park Bus Terminal Store

2F, Nara Park Bus Terminal West Building,

76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City, 630-8213, Japan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waplusbt/

Tel: +81-742-25-2300