[Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.] “Tokyo Downtown Walking Bamboo Lanterns” event will warmly light up the areas around Tokyo Mizumachi® and Sumida Riverwalk® with bamboo lanterns.
Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. Press Release: October 9, 2025 We will be holding the “Tokyo Downtown Walking Bamboo Lanterns” event, warmly lighting up the area around Tokyo Mizumachi® and Sumida Riverwalk® with bamboo lanterns. The illumination area has been expanded to 400 meters along the river ~ Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Town(R) areas are connected by a path of light made of bamboo lanterns ~ Tobu Railway (Headquarters: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yutaka Tsuzuki) will be holding the “Tokyo Shitamachi Bamboo Lantern Excursion” event from Friday, November 7, 2025 to Saturday, January 31, 2026, with the aim of creating a lively winter and nighttime atmosphere in the Tokyo Mizumachi and Sumida River Walk areas, located halfway between the Tokyo Skytree Town and Asakusa areas. Various events will be held under the warm glow of bamboo lanterns. The bamboo lantern illumination, which began at Ushijima Shrine in 2022, has been well received by many visitors and is now in its fourth year. This time, the illuminated area of the
Kitajukkengawa River Terrace has been expanded from last year, including the new section between Genmoribashi Bridge and Koumebashi Bridge, a path of light encompassing approximately 400 meters of bamboo objects and bamboo balls will captivate pedestrians. This will connect the Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Town areas with bamboo lanterns, creating a new illuminated spot in Tokyo. Continuing from last year, various events will be held during the festival, including a water concert by members of the New Japan Philharmonic, where the river terrace where the bamboo lanterns will be set up will serve as the audience seating; a bamboo lantern crafting event; and a bamboo lantern cruise in collaboration with the Sumida Ward Tourism Association. We will continue to collaborate with local businesses to create excitement in the Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Town areas during the winter and at night.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-928a8ba8f0bfb0c41e63adcf4a6c0467-3000×2000.jpg △Kitajukken River Terrace (2024)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-8ca596c19a6e6f880ad70ee66f2ef6dc-3000×2000.jpg △Sumida River Walk (2024) *The “Tokyo Downtown Bamboo Lantern Festival” is being held using the “Nighttime (late-night/early morning) Tourism Promotion Subsidy” provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (public interest incorporated foundation).
“Tokyo Downtown Tour” Bamboo Lanterns Overview 1. Bamboo Lantern Light-Up Common throughout Period: From Friday, November 7, 2025 to Saturday, January 31, 2026 Time zone 17:00-22:00 Venue area map
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-0a99cbbcae3863a02a3c5d685d83df20-3900×2065.png Tokyo Downtown Walking Bamboo Lanterns Homepage
https://www.tobu.co.jp/odekake/special/takeakari/ (Official website Japanese) https://www.tobu.co.jp/odekake/special/takeakari/en/ (official website English) https://www.instagram.com/tobu_takeakari/ (official Instagram)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-da4aa011eb4869ec89c8d9de01376973-3000×2000.jpg △Kitajukkengawa River Terrace (2024) (1) Kitajukkengawa River Terrace (Makurabashi Bridge to Koumebashi Bridge) (interval) [Area Expansion] The Kitajukken River Terrace, developed in conjunction with Tokyo Mizumachi, offers a relaxing waterside experience. Bamboo balls, set up along a 400-meter stretch from Makurabashi Bridge to Koumebashi Bridge, create a mystical landscape that appears to be floating in the air.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-e355bdeea7ff5120ab06caf837f7b459-3000×2000.jpg △Ushijima Shrine (2024) (2) Ushijima Shrine The bamboo lantern light-up event at Ushijima Shrine, beloved by locals, is now in its fourth year and has become a winter tradition. The event features bamboo lantern decorations and floodlights to illuminate the main building. The bamboo balls, which appear to be floating in the air with Tokyo Skytree in the background, are a recommended photo spot.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-67f259f188c6fc74f54c57f16d9de2f7-3000×2000.jpg △Sumida River Walk (2024) (3) Sumida River Walk Sumida River Walk, a new pedestrian bridge connecting Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Town, welcomes visitors with a mystical bamboo lantern sculpture against the backdrop of Tokyo Skytree, and an arch of bamboo lanterns hanging over the bridge. Enjoy the new winter charms of Sumida River Walk. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-3353a17a8e5b6c5eae1a1f2da9e84c58-3000×2000.jpg △Sumida Park (2024) (4) Sumida Park Starting in April 2025, the Sumida Park Management Group, a consortium led by Tobu Railway, will begin designated management of a portion of Sumida Park, adjacent to Sumida River Walk, in an effort to promote the park’s utilization and enhance the value of the area. For this illumination event, bamboo lanterns made by participants in the bamboo lantern workshop will be installed along part of the path leading to Ushijima Shrine, illuminating the park with a warm glow.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-e2400d99a95041c2912521b16853fb6a-3000×2000.jpg △Tully’s Coffee Hanakawado Sumida Park Store (2024) (5) Tully’s Coffee Hanakawado Sumida Park Branch Located along the Sumida River, Tully’s Coffee is a great spot for taking photos with Tokyo Skytree in the background. Last year, the bamboo lanterns, installed in conjunction with the store’s renovation, attracted many tourists as a new winter spot. They will continue to decorate the Sumida River in winter this year.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-e6217ba750de95c9ea60f941c71e6f1b-3000×2000.jpg △Tokyo Skytree 5th Floor Exit Floor (2024) (6) Tokyo Skytree 5th Floor Exit Floor After enjoying a stroll through the air at the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest radio tower, we will be installing a bamboo lantern sculpture on the exit floor to ensure a satisfying return for our guests. A bamboo lantern sculpture with a panel of Tokyo Skytree in the background will see our guests off. 2. Water Concert by Members of the New Japan Philharmonic Date and time: Saturday, November 22, 2025 (Part) 16:00-16:40 (Part 2) 19:00-19:40 Place: Kitajukkengawa River Terrace (between Makurabashi and Koumebashi) Overview: A waterside concert will be held on the river terrace, where bamboo lanterns will be set up, as if seating for the audience. Relax by the river. The melody of a string quartet will envelop the tranquil evening. This event, which was a huge success last year, is back again this year. This year, the concert will be held in two parts. Enjoy it while taking a stroll with your family and friends. Supported by Tokyo Waterways Co., Ltd. Supported by Sumida Dream Support Grant Program
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-91aca21c3f413b2cedb1164c43c38bd9-1553×2380.jpg △Vn Mari Hirota
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-2e1c6b28c2dd81c309aff121e0723886-1780×2700.jpg △Vn Ansami Tamura
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-e34950a2e9bc15ea15ca18ed99b08488-2376×2700.jpg △Va Yoichi Yoshituru
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-4bf9c0da4d6c286af36902c97f8455b0-2214×2542.jpg △Vc Samuel Ericsson 3 Bamboo light cruise
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-04bbeff0a90e4b42de86467687723a24-3900×2925.jpg △Night Cruise (2024) Dates: Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 and Monday, November 24th (National Holiday), December 18th (Thursday), 19th (Friday), 20th (Saturday) December 21st (Sunday) January 30th (Friday), 31st (Saturday), 2026 Time: 5 PM – 8 PM Location: Koumebashi Pier Summary: Installed at Kitajukken River Terrace and Sumida River Walk. In addition to the bamboo lanterns, you can also enjoy nighttime content, viewing the Asakusa area and Tokyo Skytree from the Sumida River. This is a nighttime content, where you can view the Tokyo area from a boat. Price: 2,200 yen – 2,800 yen (tax included) LATTEST in front of Koumebashi Pier Includes one SPORT drink Reservation page: Koumebashi Pier official website https://visit-sumida.jp/koumebashi/ Supported by: Sumida Ward Tourism Association Other: The operating company, route, and fare vary depending on the date. For details, please contact the Koumebashi Pier official Please check the website. Please note that flight dates may change without prior notice due to weather or other circumstances. 4 Bamboo light marche (NEW) Date: November 22nd (Saturday), 23rd (Sunday), 24th (Monday/holiday), 2025, December 18th (Thursday), 19th (Friday), 20th (Saturday), 21st (Sunday), Friday, January 30th, Saturday, January 31st, 2026 Time zone: 17:00 to 20:00 Place: Kitajukkengawa River Terrace, near Koumebashi Pier Overview: Approximately five restaurants and retail establishments operating mainly in Sumida Ward will be participating. Many customers will be attending. The event will be held on the same day as the upcoming water concert and bamboo lantern cruise. Supported by: Sumida Ward Shopping Association and Tag-A LLC 5. Bamboo Lantern Workshop
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-3070f1030cad38c4f0d86c00d0e860ac-3900×2592.jpg △Workshop image Dates: Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, and Saturday, October 18th, 2025 Sunday, October 19th, Wednesday, October 22nd, Saturday, October 25th Sunday, November 26th, Wednesday, November 29th Saturday, November 1st, Sunday, November 2nd, Monday, November 3rd (National Holiday) Time: (1st session) 10:00 AM – (2nd session) 11:30 AM – (3rd session) 14:00- (4th session) 15:30- Location: Tokyo Mizumachi East Zone, near LATTEST SPORT Overview: Tokyo Rickshaw operates rickshaws mainly in Asakusa. This is a bamboo lantern making workshop. Each participant will make two bamboo lanterns, one of which will be donated to Prince Sumida. The lanterns will be exhibited at the kindergarten. This year, we’ve increased the number of days the event will be held so that more people can experience it. We also have a popular rickshaw driver and bamboo lantern making event. We hope you enjoy! Free of charge Reservation
https://www.asoview.com/channel/activities/ja/tokyo-rickshaw/offices/2917/courses *Other events are also planned for the same period at Sumida Aquarium, Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo, and other venues.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/64591/401/64591-401-38c71c1a3739d701f875bde1ad3204ab-463×290.jpg △CHIKAKEN Kenji Miki CHIKAKEN A unit centered around Chika (Chikao Ikeda) and Ken (Kenji Mishiro), who met at Sojo University (Kumamoto). They founded CHIKAKEN in April 2007 to direct, create, and produce “bamboo lanterns,” which are lit by drilling holes in bamboo. Based in Kumamoto, they light bamboo lanterns across the country, creating unique landscapes and stories. They exhibited bamboo lanterns as a new form of Japanese culture at the Partners’ Program dinner venue at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit (held in May 2016) and in the government public relations exhibition area at the G7 Hiroshima Summit (held in May 2023). They appeared on MBS TV’s “Jonetsu Tairiku” program on November 5, 2023. *”Takeakari” is a registered trademark of CHIKAKEN. Above
