To coincide with the ‘Imperial Palace Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating’ event, a summer tradition in Tokyo, Hotel New Otani (Tokyo) is offering a premium accommodation package, the ‘Lantern Boat Plan’, exclusively for Wednesday 22 July 2026. Bookings open on Friday 12 June on a first-come, first-served basis. This plan guarantees you a spot on the ‘Boat Lanterns’ – an event so popular that the general public lottery recorded a 13-to-1 competition rate – and includes a comfortable transfer from the hotel to the venue. Enjoy a truly memorable and exquisite summer experience.
The ‘Imperial Palace Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating’ event, where 2,000 lanterns vividly illuminate the summer waters
Chidorigafuchi in the Imperial Palace captivates visitors with its cherry blossoms in full bloom every spring. This summer, the ‘Imperial Palace Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating’ event will once again be held here, organised by the Chiyoda City Tourism Association, for two days only on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 July 2026. At the venue, which attracts some 8,000 visitors over the two days, the light from 2,000 lanterns, each carrying people’s thoughts, gently illuminates the profiles of those entrusting their wishes to the water.
‘Lantern Floating on the River’ Guaranteed Package. Perfect for a yukata date, including a shuttle bus to and from your hotel
Due to the limited availability of just 60 boats per day, places on the ‘Imperial Palace Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating’ event are usually allocated via a highly competitive lottery; however, with this package, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from Friday 12 June. Furthermore, a comfortable shuttle bus service is provided between your hotel and the venue. This eliminates the concerns of heatstroke and travel stress associated with summer evening outings, allowing you to head straight to the venue without worrying about your beautifully arranged yukata becoming dishevelled or your make-up smudging.
One of a kind. Write your own message
Participants on this tour can enjoy the special experience of handwriting their wishes and messages on lanterns, one by one, before setting them adrift from the boat. This package includes a boat ticket and a lantern for you to write on, and each boat can accommodate up to three people. Spend a magical moment in a private setting with your family, friends or loved ones.
Limited to one room. A new premium package has been launched, featuring a professional photographer to capture the magical scene of the lantern-floating ceremony
Executive House Zen Deluxe Room
This year, we are offering a limited-availability package—available to the first guest to book an ‘Executive House Zen’ or suite—which includes a professional photography session. A professional photographer will beautifully capture your natural expressions as you fully enjoy the lantern floating ceremony, as well as those moving moments when you are enveloped by a sea of light. Please relax in a space that will add even more colour to your special summer memories.
＞Click here for plan details
