Toro nagashi is a gentle, deeply moving Japanese tradition held during the Obon season in summer, when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return and then depart again. In Uwajima on Ehime’s southern coast, glowing paper lanterns — each carrying a candle and often a prayer or the name of a departed loved one — are set adrift on the water at dusk, floating out across the bay in a slow, shimmering procession of light to guide the souls of the dead peacefully back to the other world. Often accompanied by fireworks, the sight of countless lanterns drifting on the dark sea is quietly beautiful and profound. It is a reflective, atmospheric counterpoint to the region’s louder festivals and a memorable summer experience.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Uwajima, Ehime |
| Hours | Obon season (mid-August), evening |
| Admission | Free to watch |
| Time needed | An evening |
| Best time | Obon (mid-August) |
What to Experience
- Glowing paper lanterns drifting out to sea at dusk.
- A serene Obon tradition guiding ancestral spirits home.
- A slow, shimmering procession of light on the bay.
- Fireworks often accompanying the floating lanterns.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Uwajima Castle in the city.
- Pair with the Uwa Sea coast nearby.
- Read our Ehime overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Uwajima, then to the waterfront.
- On foot: the floating takes place at the bay/riverside.
Tips
Come at dusk during the mid-August Obon season to see the lanterns set adrift and any accompanying fireworks, checking local dates in advance. Watch respectfully, as this is a solemn tradition honouring the dead rather than a purely festive event, and combine the evening with Uwajima’s castle and the Uwa Sea coast during the day.
