Toro Nagashi Ceremony
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🏮 41st Annual Toro Nagashi Ceremony at Shinzen Garden
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Join Shinzen Friendship Garden for one of Fresno's most meaningful and beautiful annual traditions—the 41st Annual Toro Nagashi Ceremony.
Toro Nagashi, or "floating lanterns," is a centuries-old Japanese tradition that honors the memories of loved ones who have passed while offering prayers for peace, hope, and remembrance. As evening falls, hundreds of illuminated lanterns will gently drift across the Garden's pond, creating a breathtaking display of light and reflection.
The evening's program begins at 7:00 PM and features a welcome message, a blessing by Rev. Kaz Nakata, a performance by the Takio Drum Ensemble, and the reading of the names of those being remembered before the lanterns are launched onto the water.
🎐 Purchase a Lantern
Personalized remembrance lanterns are available for purchase and may include the names of loved ones you wish to honor. Lanterns must be purchased in advance at shinzenjapanesegarden.org.
✨ Free Community Event
The ceremony is free to attend for anyone who would like to experience the lantern launching and share in this evening of remembrance and peace. Whether you are honoring someone special or simply wish to witness this moving tradition, all are welcome.
Bring your family and friends and experience an unforgettable evening celebrating remembrance, reflection, and hope in the peaceful setting of Shinzen Friendship Garden.
Lanterns: Available for purchase at shinzenjapanesegarden.org
Admission to Watch the Ceremony: Free
We look forward to sharing this special tradition with you.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Join Shinzen Friendship Garden for one of Fresno's most meaningful and beautiful annual traditions—the 41st Annual Toro Nagashi Ceremony.
Toro Nagashi, or "floating lanterns," is a centuries-old Japanese tradition that honors the memories of loved ones who have passed while offering prayers for peace, hope, and remembrance. As evening falls, hundreds of illuminated lanterns will gently drift across the Garden's pond, creating a breathtaking display of light and reflection.
The evening's program begins at 7:00 PM and features a welcome message, a blessing by Rev. Kaz Nakata, a performance by the Takio Drum Ensemble, and the reading of the names of those being remembered before the lanterns are launched onto the water.
🎐 Purchase a Lantern
Personalized remembrance lanterns are available for purchase and may include the names of loved ones you wish to honor. Lanterns must be purchased in advance at shinzenjapanesegarden.org.
✨ Free Community Event
The ceremony is free to attend for anyone who would like to experience the lantern launching and share in this evening of remembrance and peace. Whether you are honoring someone special or simply wish to witness this moving tradition, all are welcome.
Bring your family and friends and experience an unforgettable evening celebrating remembrance, reflection, and hope in the peaceful setting of Shinzen Friendship Garden.
Lanterns: Available for purchase at shinzenjapanesegarden.org
Admission to Watch the Ceremony: Free
We look forward to sharing this special tradition with you.
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Where is it happening?
114 W Audubon Dr , Fresno, CA, United States, California 93720
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherShinzen Friendship Garden, in Woodward Park
