Chugen Mantoro
Aug 14 & 15
@ Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Nara
Kasuga Taisha Shrine was founded to protect the Heijo-kyo capital, and is the flagship Kasuga shrine in all of Japan. The atmosphere is magical, rather solemn, and mysterious at the Chugen Mantoro matsuri, when two thousand stone lanterns along the path, and a further 1000 hanging lanterns in the main precinct are lit up. The main shrine’s cloisters painted vermilion will glow with a soft light, and the hanging lanterns, with their various patterns, reflect the offerings to the gods of thousands of people. Prayers have been said at this temple for thousands of years, for safe households and a return to good health. Historically, even rainmaking rituals were performed here, when the lanterns used to light up every evening. Nowadays, the ritual takes place biannually in February and August.
7pm-9:30pm. Getting there: JR/Kintetsu Nara stn; bus to Kasugataisha Omotesando, 10min walk. Admission: ¥500. Tel: 0742-22-7788.
Jizo Matsuri
Aug 23&24
@ Samegai, Shiga
The Jizo festival is in honour and named after a Buddhist god who is worshipped as the guardian deity of children. The festival takes place throughout Japan, but is now held in fewer places. The beautiful town of Samegai, where a clear stream flows, now organises the festival on a grand scale every year. One particular special feature is the several dioramas that are set up. The models represent significant people and put them in the limelight, and the beautiful scenery and fairies will please visitors’ eyes. The streets will be vehicle-free for the festival, and religious dances and a gala procession of people in fancy-dress will be performed with a finish of floating paper lanterns.
From around 6pm. Getting there: JR Tokaido Honsen line, Samegai stn. Admission: free. Tel: 0749-58-2227
Kansai Festival Listings
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Nagoshi Shinji
Shimogamo-J inja, Kyoto
Aug 6
It is believed that the water of the pond in this shrine has power to remove plagues and misfortune. In this ritual, young men jump into the pond to compete for sacred sticks set up in the water.
6:30pm. Getting there: Keihan Railway Kamo Higashi line, Demachiyanagi stn, 10min walk. Admission: free. Tel: 075-781-0010.
Hifuri Matsuri Festival
Gosya-Jinja Shrine, Shiga
Aug 14 & 15
This unique ritual has been passed down from old times right through to the current era. Hundreds of flaming torches are thrown towards old pine trees, and it is said that if many torches land on the trees, a good harvest will be promised.
Aug 14, 7:30pm–8:30pm; Aug 15, 8pm–9pm. Getting there: Ohmi Railway Honsen line, Hino stn, bus to Hino Kokomae. Admission: free. Tel: 0748-52-6577.
Oni Mai
Shide Itsukusima-Jinja, Wakayama
Aug 16
A red-haired demon parade along the street to the shrine followed by drums, flutes and a pike with a shade on the top. After the dedication of a ritual dance, the demon will comically perform, chasing children and behaving in a threatening manner.
From 5pm. Getting there: Nankai Railay Koya line, Koyashita stn. Admission: free. Tel: 0736-54-4365.
Atago no Himatsuri Festival
Izu Ifukube-Jinja, Hyogo
Aug 23
This festival was created during the Edo Period, to pray for a perfect state of health. Participants perform acrobatic rituals, holding a piece of rope that is fixed to a flaming bale of straw at one end and twirl it around their heads. Spectacular fire rings will be produced in the precinct!
1pm–8pm. Getting there: JR Saninhonsen line, Toyooka stn, bus to Izu. Admission: free. Tel: 0796-52-4806.
Jizo Manto Kuyo
Gangoji Temple, Nara
Aug 23 & 24
This annual festival is dedicated to Jizo, a guardian deity of children. On these days this temple is full of people visiting to pray for their children. Stalls selling marvellous food will be featured on the 24th.
Time: 5pm – 9pm (on 23rd) 11am – 9pm (on 24th) Getting there: Kintetsu Nara stn 10 – min walk Admission: free Tel: 0742-23-1377
Kwasegaki-e
Shorenji Temple, Osaka
Aug 26
“Summer heat does not last after Kawasegaki,” as the saying goes. This ritual has been held in late summer since the Edo Period. Hop on to the Yodo River on a boat decorated colourfully, and pray for the spirits of drowned people. There will be a memorial service held at the temple, followed by a parade to the river.
From 10am. Getting there: Hanshin Railway, Nishi-Osaka line, Denpo stn, 8min walk. Admission: free. Tel: 06-6461-2845. |
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