TORO NAGASHI - Lantern Floating Ceremony 2026
About this Event
Hakone Tōrō Nagashi - Lantern Floating Ceremony
August 18 - 21, 2026 (Tuesday - Friday), 6:30-8:30pm
Hakone Estate and Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way Saratoga, CA 95070
2026 Ticket Pricing:*
- $60 (August 18, 19, 20)
- $70 (Friday Peak Day August 21)
Each ticket includes one (1) lantern for guests to personalize and release into the pond.
Additional lanterns may be purchased (while supplies last). Tickets are non-refundable.
*Pricing does not include Eventbrite service fees
HAKONE MEMBERS:
Enter the discount code provided in your member newsletter e-mail at check out to receive your 50% discount pricing. Not a Hakone member yet? Join today at https://www.hakone.com/membership to receive discounts on Tōrō Nagashi tickets and more!
All proceeds from Tōrō Nagashi go towards maintaining Hakone's historic estate and gardens.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Experiencing the summer tradition of Tōrō Nagashi within the tranquil beauty of Hakone's histroic Japanese garden as it glows with illuminated lanterns floating in our iconic koi pond.
Tōrō Nagashi, or “floating lanterns”, is a ceremony in which participants write personal messages on lanterns and release them onto water in remembrance of loved ones or to express hopes and gratitude. Traditionally the ceremony is associated with Obon, a Japanese summer observance with Buddhist roots honoring one's ancestors. At the end of each Obon season, lanterns are floated onto water to symbolize lights that guide our ancestral spirits. Today, Tōrō Nagashi is embraced as a cultural practice throughout Japan and around the world as a way of remembrance and reflection.
Participants at Hakone's Toro Nagashi are invited to write a personal message on their own lantern and gently float them in our koi pond following a brief remembrance ceremony.
Each night Hakone's Tōrō Nagashi will also feature Bon Odori from 7-7:30pm, a traditional form of Japanese folk dancing performed during the Obon season. Guests are encouraged to join in, and are welcome to come dressed in traditional attire if they wish!
THURSDAY AUGUST 20th ONLY
Sound Bathing @ Hakone Tōrō Nagashi
On Thursday August 20th, Reiki Master Jeff Sera of Reiki Origins will offer a continuous live sound bath from Hakone's Moon Viewing House, providing a peaceful space to pause, reflect, and honor loved ones while overlooking the tranquil gardens.
A sound bath is a meditative listening experience that uses the soothing vibrations of instruments such as crystal singing bowls, chimes, and gentle percussion to create an atmosphere of relaxation and presence. Rather than the typical experience of active participation, guests at Hakone's Tōrō Nagashi on 8/20 are invited to simply sit, breathe, and allow the sounds to wash over them at their own pace as they resonate from our historic former residence throughout the gardens.
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM
Start Time
Info: Check in at the main garden gate to receive your lantern to personalize and explore the garden.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Bon Odori - Traditional Japanese Folk Dance
Info: Enjoy a performance of traditional Bon Odori dancing - guests are welcome to join in as well!
🕑: 07:45 PM
Remembrance Ceremony & Moment of Slience
Info: Each night a remembrance ceremony will be held on our Moon Bridge, followed by guests releasing their lanterns into the koi pond.
🕑: 08:30 PM
End Time
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 23.18
