Miyazu Tōrō nagashi Lantern and Fireworks Festival

Miyazu Tōrō nagashi(lantern) and Fireworks festival is the biggest event in Miyazu city, Amanohashidate!! Thousands of red and white lanterns are lit and floated in the ocean to remember and pray for the souls of the dead.  Some people also write wishes on the lanterns.  Beautiful elaborately decorated Seireisen boats are floated and burned to mourn for those who have died in the past year.  After dark, a large fireworks display is held in which 3,000 brilliant fireworks light up the night sky.

The origin of the Miyazu floating lantern festival…

The town of Miyazu was formed about 400 years ago.  At that time, the people of the town used to attach small lanterns to their offerings and float them in the ocean.  This was done to return the spirits of deceased family members back to the other world.  This custom is thought to be the origin of the festival that is celebrated today.  Soon, the event became popular and the beauty of the “mourning lanterns” (the lanterns are primarily made to mourn for lost loved ones or one`s ancestors) floating in the water attracted many spectators from all around.

You can make your own lantern and make a wish for 800 yen(white and red lantern set)!

http://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/toro-nagashi-floating-lantern-festival-appendix-lantern-red-white-writing-example/

You can see this festival at “Shimasaki Park” in Miyazu city Kyoto, please see the map below.

■Place: Shimasaki Park

※Access:
ex1) Kyoto Station → about 2h30min by express Train → Miyazu Station → 10min on foot to Shimasaki Park

ex2) Amanohashidate Station→ 5min by Kyoto Tango Railway  →Miyazu Station →10min on foot to Shimasaki Park

■Schedule

6:00PM〜7:30 PM : Toro Nagashi Even

7:30PM〜8:20 PM : Fireworks

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