On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the 11th Hiroshima Kagari-bi (Torchlight) Festival will take place along the Motoyasu River, near the Atomic Bomb Dome in Peace Memorial Park, located in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City.
This ethereal event, where flames from traditional torchlights embody prayers for peace, is held annually on the evening before the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. Each year, many visitors to Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima residents pause to watch the gently flickering flames, reflecting in silence and etching their thoughts deeply into their hearts.
The program will begin around 6:00 p.m., with a solemn kagura (Shinto dance and music) performance titled Susuhaki (Soot Sweeping) by the Kunimitsu Kagura Troupe, followed by the torchlighting ceremony and other festival events.
Visitors may participate by contributing to the “Wish Plaque” offering. For a 1,000 yen donation, you will receive two wooden plaques on which to write your wishes for world peace. These plaques will then be respectfully burned in the torchlight as part of the ritual.
This is a night to truly reflect on the value of peace. As you gaze into the torchlight flames, take a quiet moment to contemplate and offer your prayers for a more peaceful world.
Event Details
Event Name
The 11th Hiroshima Kagari-bi (Torchlight) Festival
Date
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Time
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Venue
By the Atomic Bomb Dome, along the Motoyasu River, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
Open to the public / Free viewing
Wish Plaques
Donation: ¥1,000 for two plaques
