The downtown area, where tradition and
innovation intersect, will be enveloped
in the gentle glow of bamboo lights
“The Bamboo Lantern Festival” will illuminate the charming streets of Tokyo’s traditional downtown with the gentle glow of bamboo lights. Centered on Sumida River Walk and Kitajukken River Terrace, you can enjoy evenings full of downtown charm. This event returns for its fifth year. The highlight is the vibrant waterfront scenery created by Bamboo Lanterns and lights illuminating the surface of the Kitajukken River. Other activities include bamboo lightmaking workshops that everyone can enjoy.
Take a leisurely walk through the downtown area and enjoy its changing atmosphere as evening turns into night.
2026.11.7.(sat) - 2027.1.31.(sun)
*The Kitajukken River illumination will take place on the following dates:
2026.11.7 (sat) 18:00–21:00
2026.11.8 (sun) 17:00–21:00
2026.12.10 (thu) – 2027.1.31 (sun) 17:00–22:00 daily
| 2026. | 11 | . | 7 | . | (sat) |
Lighting-up ceremony
Water concert
The Kitajukken River Terrace, developed together with TOKYO mizumachi®, offers a relaxing waterfront experience. As a new feature this year, part of the area between Genmori Bridge and Koume Bridge will be illuminated, in a first-time effort to transform the river itself into a space for light displays. Enjoy the enchanting scenery created by bamboo spheres and lights stretching approximately 200 meters from Genmori Bridge to Koume Bridge. *For the Kitajukken River illumination times, please refer to the “Bamboo Lantern Light-Up Event” schedule.
The Bamboo Light-Up Event at Ushijima Shrine, a beloved local landmark, marks its fifth year this winter. The shrine will be decorated with Bamboo Lanterns, creating a seasonal winter tradition, while floodlights will illuminate the main shrine building. The bamboo spheres, which appear to float in the air with TOKYO SKYTREE® in the background, make for a particularly photogenic spot.
At Sumida River Walk, a new pedestrian bridge connecting Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN, visitors will be welcomed by enchanting Bamboo Lantern objects with TOKYO SKYTREE® in the background, as well as a Bamboo Lantern arch spanning the bridge. Enjoy the new winter attraction of Sumida River Walk.
The Sumida Park Management Group manages part of Sumida Park adjacent to Sumida River Walk, working to promote the use of the park and enhance the value of the area. Bamboo Lanterns created by participants in the Bamboo Lantern Workshop will be installed along part of the path leading to Ushijima Shrine, illuminating the park with a warm, gentle glow.
Tully’s Coffee, located along the Sumida River, offers an excellent location with panoramic views of TOKYO SKYTREE® and the Sumida River. The Bamboo Lantern object, first introduced at the winter event in 2024, returns for its third year this year. It has become a popular new winter photo spot, attracting many visitors.
Before enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of the Kanto region from the observation decks of TOKYO SKYTREE®, the world’s tallest broadcasting tower, visitors can admire Take Akari on the 4th-floor Entrance Floor. Take Akari objects set against a TOKYO SKYTREE® panel will welcome visitors into a special world of light.
Lighting-up ceremony
Following a performance by a local music group, the Bamboo Lanterns and the lights along the Kitajukken River will be illuminated simultaneously. Enjoy the special nighttime scenery created by the warm glow of the bamboo lights and their reflections on the river.
Water concert
The riverside terrace, decorated with Take Akari, will serve as a viewing area for a special concert on the water. The gentle sounds of a string quartet will fill the peaceful riverside night.
This popular annual event will be held in two parts this year, on the same day as the Take Akari lighting-up ceremony. The enchanting combination of light and music will create a magical atmosphere along the waterfront.
Please come and enjoy the evening with your family and friends as you take a leisurely stroll along the river.
Bamboo lantern workshop
In this bamboo lantern workshop, each participant makes two lanterns — one displayed in Sumida Park.
Run by Tokyo Rickshaw, known for rickshaw rides in Asakusa, the workshop has more sessions this year for many to join and enjoy crafting with friendly pullers.
| 10. | 31 | (sat) |
| 11. | 1 | (sun) |
Cruise
Here is information about cruises departing from Koumebashi Pier, located next to TOKYO mizumachi. Enjoy views of the TOKYO SKYTREE area from the water at night. Experience a unique and memorable journey on the water.
Free Guided Tour
In collaboration with Tokyo Localized, which provides guided walking tours of the city, we will be holding a free guided tour around the Asakusa to Sumida Park area, mainly for foreign visitors to Japan.
2026.11.7(sat) 〜
12.27(sun)
During the campaign period, take a photo at a designated photo spot at the main venue of “The Tokyo Downtown Bamboo Lantern Festival” and post it on Instagram with the official campaign hashtag. Show your post at participating shops around the bamboo lantern displays to enjoy special offers!
Campaign details will be announced on 11/7!
When your breath turns white,A sign that winter is beginning.
On a clear, cool night,Would you like to walk one station?
Even from Asakusa Even fromTOKYO SKYTREE®
We will introducerecommended routes for
enjoying the bamboo lanterns to the fullest.
CHIKAKEN is a group of creators led by Chika and Ken who studied together at Sojo University. The group specializes in the design, production and installation of Take-Akari, bamboo lights. Their work is inspired by the idea of ‘community development through festival’ advocated by their university professor Keiichi Uchimaru. Founded in April 2007 in Kumamoto, Japan, CHIKAKEN currently has five members and produces Take-Akari in various communities across Japan, creating ‘lightscapes’ and ‘stories’ unique to the region. Appearing on MBS TV’s “Jonetsu Tairiku” broadcast on November 5, 2023.
Tobu Skytree Line
3 minutes' walk from Tokyo Skytree Station
to Mizumachi East Zone
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
7 minutes walk from Asakusa Station, Exit 5,
across the SUMIDA RIVER WALK
Toei Asakusa Line
4 minutes walk from A3 exit of Honjo Azumabashi Station
9 minutes walk from Asakusa Station, A5 exit,
across SUMIDA RIVER WALK