Lotus & Lanterns on Shinobazu Pond

Shinobazu Pond is located in the south of Ueno Park and it is divided in three sections. The Lotus Pond with lotus flowers and huge green leaves that completely cover its surface during the summer, the Boat Pond with rental boats, and the Cormorant Pond which takes its name from the birds that inhabit it.
In the center of the pond lies Benten Island with the Bentendo Temple, dedicated to goddess Benzaiten.

Every summer (mid July-mid August) takes place the Ueno Natsu Matsuri (Ueno Summer Festival) that features a different event every day. One of them is Toro Nagashi, in which candle-lit paper lanterns are released into Shinobazu Pond to guide the spirits of ancestors back to the other world during the Obon season.

photos: Junko Nagata © Japanbyweb.com