Zojoji Temple bathed in candlelight under the Tokyo night sky.

Golden candlelight illuminating Shibakoen’s iconic temple steps. Photo: Ramiro Vargas

“Light, Reflection, and Artistry: A Candlelit Night at Zojoji 2025”

On the tranquil night of June 20, 2025, the historic Zojoji Temple in Shibakoen, Tokyo, transformed into a radiant sea of candlelight, offering a mesmerizing spectacle beneath the glowing presence of Tokyo Tower. This annual celebration, known simply as “Candle Lights Lead Night at Zojoji,” brought together locals, tourists, artists, and spiritual seekers in a powerful expression of peace, culture, and remembrance.

With Tokyo’s skyline casting a futuristic silhouette against the ancient temple’s architecture, the event bridged centuries of tradition with modern urban life. As the sun dipped below the city horizon, over 10,000 candles flickered to life, meticulously arranged along pathways, temple stairs, and open spaces. The soft, golden light invited attendees into a realm of silence, warmth, and collective awe.

What made this year’s edition even more special was the participation of a renowned Japanese entertainer and celebrated movie reviewer, whose presence added both star power and emotional depth to the evening. Known for his contributions to Japanese pop culture and cinema, the entertainer not only hosted segments of the evening but also performed an intimate acoustic set. His voice carried a blend of nostalgia and soulfulness, echoing through the temple grounds and creating an unforgettable moment under the stars.

The entertainer’s storytelling also brought another layer of meaning to the event. Between performances, he shared reflections on cinema, culture, and personal memories linked to Zojoji Temple and the evolving heartbeat of Tokyo. His commentary reminded the audience that art — whether through film, music, or tradition — has the power to illuminate, heal, and connect.

Visitors, many dressed in traditional yukata, moved slowly and respectfully through the grounds, pausing to take in the ambiance, take photos, or simply reflect. Families lit candles in honor of loved ones, couples held hands in quiet contemplation, and solo travelers found stillness among strangers.

The night concluded with a quiet musical finale, as performers and guests joined in a symbolic moment of silence while lanterns were floated in a nearby water basin — a nod to the Japanese Obon tradition, symbolizing the return of ancestors and spirits.

This year’s Candlelight Night at Zojoji was more than an event. It was a living artwork of community, culture, and calmness — a luminous testament to Tokyo’s deep spiritual roots and enduring cultural creativity

Families, tourists, and locals unite in quiet candlelit reverence. Photo: CHILANGA.COM