East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Tour Report of East Garden of Imperial Palace on July 13, 2024

East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Thank you so much joining our tour at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on July 13, 2024! We welcomed 16 guests from USA, Canada, Germany, Russia, Philippines and Japan . I hope you all had a good time and enjoyed interesting conversation with each other during the tour. As promised, some photos are attached to remember the fun times we had.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Toro Nagashi : Lantern floating
Chidorigafuchi is a moat located on the north side of the Imperial palace. This place, beloved as a cherry blossom viewing spot, will host the enchanting Toro Nagashi (Lantern floating) on the evenings of July 24 and 25. This event features 2,000 illuminated lanterns, their light  reflecting on the surface of the moat, creating a magical and beautiful scene.
[2024] Lantern Floating Festival at Chidori-ga-fuchi, The Imperial Palace WISHING FOR PEACE皇居

Toro Nagashi is a custom where lanterns are lit and floated down rivers or the sea. It is believed that during a certain time in the summer, the spirits of the deceased return to their families and then they return to the other world. This period is called Obon, and you see it in either July or August, depending on the region. 

It is said that the spirits ride the lanterns down the river and return to the other world beyond the sea. Meanwhile, lights in the lanterns help the spirits find their way back. Therefore, the lights in the lanterns symbolize the wisdom that lights up the darkness.

Please enjoy this stunning spectacle of light on a midsummer night in Tokyo.

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(posted by Kana)