By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Zhang Yingying, translated
The Lantern Road event held in Arashiyama every winter around mid-December attracts large numbers of visitors who stop to admire the displays at night. In 2015, it even set a record for the highest number of visitors ever, with 1.393 million people coming. The lights are turned on every day after 5:00 p.m. during the event period and stay on until 8:00 or 8:30 p.m., making it a nighttime attraction not to be missed when visiting Kyoto.
Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge is a popular spot in Kyoto, and the night illumination gives it a special charm. (Image source / Kyoto)
The event also features music and dance performances, rickshaw rides, and commemorative photo services. In 2015, there was also a very special limited giveaway of cosmos flower seeds as souvenirs for visitors.
The bamboo grove path between Nyoigatake Shrine and the Okochi-Sanso Villa Garden is especially romantic when lit up. (Image source / Kyoto)
Kyoto experienced relatively mild temperatures during the 2015 event period, with no more than two days of rain, unlike the usual cold weather—this contributed to the significant increase in visitor numbers.The most popular spot in the Arashiyama area after the illumination, Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge), becomes especially enchanting under the lights, with the surrounding landscape creating a magical scene that visitors shouldn’t miss.
Floral art displays are also exhibited during the Lantern Road event period, adding more visual appeal to the attractions. (Image source / Kyoto)
The Kyoto Lantern Road began in 2003 as a lighting event primarily in the Eastern Hills area. Starting in 2005, lighting displays were also extended to the Sagano and Arashiyama areas. The illuminated zone includes areas around Hankyu Arashiyama Station, extending outward to Horinji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, as well as further to Tenryuji Temple, JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, Nyoigatake Shrine, and Jojakkoji Temple. The Lantern Road event in the Eastern Hills is scheduled from March 12 to March 21, 2016. Those planning to visit the Kyoto area during this time are encouraged to come and experience the beauty of the lantern displays.