On the Marine Day, I went to an event called “Paper Lantern Festival in Odaiba 2010” where many paper lanterns are lined to create huge picture on the ground of Odaiba Kaihin Park.

This year is the 7th time being held, becoming the symbol of summer in Odaiba. This year’s theme is the “Summer Constellation”. Having the Rainbow Bridge in the back, colorful summer constellation appears on the beach of Odaiba Kaihin Park.

The event is held for two days, July 18th and 19th. I went on the 18th, making in time for the light up which was 18:30. The lanterns were already in place. Volunteers, mainly children lined them up from around noon.

From above view, you can see swan, koto, and scorpion.

The light up started at 18:30 but since the sun hasn’t set, we couldn’t see the illusory scene.

Children were playing with the fire.

The sun is setting behind the Rainbow Bridge.

After the lanterns were lit, wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance started. The powerful performance entertained the people.

One girl was imitating the performer and jumping around.

As the performance end, it started to get dark. The soft light of the paper lanterns creates an illusory sight.

Around Odaiba Kaihin Park offshore, many roofed pleasure boat were gathering. Since this area is a stop for the boats, beautiful sight must have been seen from the boat.

The lights of Rainbow Bridge and the skyscrapers of Tokyo and the lights of the paper lanterns collaborate in the night. Light of a candle is soft and relaxing, different from the LED.

Although during the day the temperature was over 30 degrees and very hot, from the evening the sea breeze cooled us down. I recommend visiting this event at least once. However, there are many couples so going alone might be lonely.