On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Asakusa Tourism Federation and Sumida City once again float roughly 5,000 paper lanterns along both banks of the Sumida River, with more launch points added this year to shorten the wait for visitors hoping to send one downstream.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka will open reservations on July 23 for a special overnight stay plan tied to The 38th Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival on October 17, offering an intimate way to enjoy the autumn fireworks from a private, uncrowded setting.
COCO VILLA Yoro Keikoku, a two-building whole-villa rental just steps from the Yoro River in Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, opened on July 9, 2026, featuring a barrel sauna overlooking the gorge along with SUP boards and kayaks for river activities.
Tokyo Waterways is offering last-minute tickets for its Sumida River Fireworks Festival viewing cruise on July 25, 2026, with a simplified, meals-and-drinks-free plan priced from ¥27,500, about 21% off the standard ¥35,000 fare.
Shizuru Kamogawa, a small luxury hotel along the Kamo River in Kyoto, begins selling a whole-hotel private rental plan on July 1, 2026, letting a single group book all five rooms plus the lounge, private dining & kitchen, and rooftop terrace.
Just 30 minutes from central Osaka, a small natural stream at KURAGARI Village in the Kuragari Pass area of Mt. Ikoma offers a refreshing spot where children can wade in cool water, discover river creatures, and enjoy the serene landscape of historic terraced rice fields.