In summer, when neither fields of flowers, nor colorful autumn leaves, nor Christmas light decorations are around, Japan indulges in a spectacle of night lights, including Hanabi (firework shows) and lantern festivals.
This is a collection of photos taken during two lantern festivals in July 2015: the Mitama Matsuri at the Yasukuni shrine near Kudanshita, and Marine Day on Odaiba beach.
Girls wearing traditional summer yukatas stroll among the lanterns in front of Yasukuni shrine.
One of the participants in the festival’s parade poses for the camera for just a split second.
A close-up of one of the walls of lampions leading to the entrance of Yasukuni shrine
Lantern Festival held each year in mid-July at the Yasukuni Shrine near Kudanshita station in central Tokyo.
Two festival participants dismantling the stage at the end of the evening.
Paper lanterns on the beach against a background of Tokyo skyscrapers.
The gate to the Yasukuni shrine, leading to a tunnel of lampions beyond.
Hundreds of paper lanterns arranged by volunteers on Odaiba beach to celebrate Umi no hi (ocean day) on the third Monday in July.
A focus on the paper bags used as lampions on the beach, with Odaiba’s rainbow bridge in the distance.
Paper lanterns and stunning sunset colors in Odaiba.
You are so talented. Great pictures! Amazing.
Thank you so much, Rick! I only capture what is there, it’s Japan that is amazing, you should visit some time 🙂