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.

I enjoyed the entertainment such as TV character shows for children before the numerous lanterns had come on. There were lots of food stalls set up that day, and it was very lively with so many people.

This is the moment just after the lanterns all lit up on at 7:00 PM. It is still twilight. 

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. On the day of the festival, shrine staffs will guide you to the location of your lantern donated.

It is gradually getting dark. A line of lanterns begins from the torii gate at the entrance to Taga Taisha Shrine.

As the sun sets, it becomes even more magical ambiance.

Illuminated lanterns lined in an arch-like row over the stone bridge ahead.

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

The Lantern Festival is now reaching its climax.

A view of the Manto-sai (Festival of Ten Thousand Lanterns) from the main gate of the shrine.