Mitama Festival 2026 transforms Yasukuni Shrine into one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric summer festivals, illuminated by around 30,000 glowing lanterns. Known as a “festival of light,” the event honors the spirits of the departed while creating a striking visual display across the shrine grounds.

Each evening, the lanterns light up the pathways of the shrine, creating a warm and immersive atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors. The festival has deep cultural significance, rooted in traditions that pay respect to ancestral spirits while offering a space for reflection and remembrance.

In addition to the lantern displays, the festival often features traditional performances, food stalls and cultural activities that add energy to the grounds, especially after sunset. Explore the shrine during the day, but experience it at its most memorable in the evening when thousands of lanterns illuminate the grounds.

Mitama Festival 2026 offers a unique combination of cultural tradition and seasonal celebration, making it one of the city’s most visually distinctive summer events.

Information

Start: Jul 13th 2026 at 9:00am

End: Jul 16th 2026 at 8:00pm

Yasukuni Shrine

3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku

https://www.yasukuni.or.jp

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