Today, I’m sharing my visit to the Chugen Mantoro, a special lantern festival at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known as a signature summer tradition in Nara Prefecture. Held only on August 14th and 15th each year, as well as on Setsubun (the day marking the change of seasons), this extraordinary event lights up around 3,000 lanterns throughout the shrine grounds, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.
Let me take you through the experience and my impressions of this event, which I attended on August 15th.
The grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine house around 3,000 lanterns—2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lanterns. During this festival, all of these lanterns are lit, with prayers for the fulfillment of wishes. Since it is only held three times a year, it’s truly a precious event.
I’ve attended this festival several times in the past, always on August 15th. Why the 15th? Because on the same day, Todaiji Temple, also in Nara, holds its own Mantoro Ceremony, where countless lanterns are lit, creating a beautiful spectacle as well.
