Tokyo Shitamachi Walk: Take Akari (Bamboo Lights)

"Tokyo Shitamachi Walk: Take Akari" is organized by Tobu Railway to create liveliness during winter evenings and nights around Tokyo Mizumachi and Sumida River Walk, located between the Tokyo Skytree Town area and the Asakusa area. Starting at Ushijima Shrine in 2022, it now marks its 5th year.

Highlights

• First-ever illumination of the Kitajikken River terrace: Bamboo balls will be placed along about 200 m from Genmori Bridge to Koume Bridge, the first attempt to use the river itself as part of the display.
• Ushijima Shrine: Bamboo light decorations and illumination of the main shrine building. The bamboo balls floating against the backdrop of Tokyo Skytree make a great photo spot.
• Sumida River Walk: Bamboo light objects and an arch decorate the pedestrian bridge.
• Other venues: Displays will also be shown at Sumida Park, Tully's Coffee Hanakawado Sumida Park store, and the 4th-floor entrance floor of Tokyo Skytree.

Event Information

The event runs from Saturday, November 7, 2026 to Sunday, January 31, 2027, from 17:00 to 22:00. The Kitajikken River illumination runs 18:00–21:00 on November 7, 17:00–21:00 on November 8, and daily 17:00–22:00 from December 10 to January 31.

On November 7, there will be a lighting ceremony and a water-borne concert by members of the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (two performances, at 18:00 and 19:00). On October 31 and November 1, free bamboo light workshops (advance reservation required) will be held at the Tobu Museum. There will also be an Instagram posting campaign and a collaboration event with Sumida Aquarium, "Garden Eels Everywhere." The overall direction is by Kenji Mishiro of CHIKAKEN.