Festival of Ten Thousand Lanterns

The Manto-sai (Festival of Ten Thousand Lanterns) at Taga Taisha—a famous shrine in Shiga Prefecture—is held annually from August 3rd to 5th, featuring the illumination of approximately 12,000 lanterns.

Although I was born in Shiga Prefecture, I have lived away from the area for a long time, so this is my first time seeing the Manto-sai (Ten Thousand Lanterns Festival) with the lanterns all lit up.　

For this short trip, I went by train transferring from JR line to the Omi Railway line. Because Taga Taisha station is the last stop of this railway.  Of course, I could go by car, but I wanted to walk along the approach to the shrine from Taga Taisha Station, so I took the train on purpose.

Before the numerous lanterns had come on all at once at 7 PM, I enjoyed the entertainment such as TV character shows on the stage. There were also lots of food stalls set up that day, and it was very lively with so many people.

I will introduce them in order. All the lanterns come on at 7:00 PM. More specifically, at the sacred mountain near-by, the sacred fire is struck using traditional methods. The sacred fire is transported to the main shrine of Taga Taisha by Taga Town Tourism Ambassador.  After that, all the lanterns come on.

Taga Town Tourism Ambassadors bring the sacred fire burning in the glass lanterns.

The Gagaku performers lead Shinto priests and tourism ambassadors. Gagaku is the Japanese ancient court music.

It is still twilight. A line of lanterns begins from the torii gate standing at the entrance of Taga Taisha Shrine.

When we pass through the torii gate, we can see illuminated lanterns lined in an arch-like row over the arched stone bridge ahead. Actually, we cannot cross this historical stone bridge.

This is a row of lanterns over the arched stone bridge, viewed from the side.

There is the main gate of the shrine beyond the arched stone bridge. Once inside, we can see the full picture. 

By the way, anyone can donate a lantern. According to the official website,

the fee ranges from 2,000 yen to 20,000 yen, depending on the size of the lantern.　A label with a donor's name written on it is hanging beneath the lantern.

People are lining up heading toward the worship hall.

Finally, people pray at the shrine's worship hall and toss in an offering (money).

By the way, this is a photo taken during the day. The night scenery is definitely more magical, though.

Photos were taken on August 3rd, 2026