We have summarized the highlights of the "Manto Mitama Festival" at Gokoku Shrine in Mie Prefecture, where approximately 6,000 lanterns play wishes for peace and prosperity and a solemn fantasy scenery!
掲載日：2023.07.27
Mie Prefecture Gokoku Shrine is close to the west exit of Tsu Station in TsuCity Mie Prefecture. The Banto Mitama Festival is held from August 13th to August 15th, including the day the war ended. We have summarized the highlights, recommended photography methods, and etiquette for visiting.
What kind of festival?
The ``Manto Mitama Festival'' is held every year at Mie Prefecture Gokoku Shrine (Mie Prefecture Gokoku Shrine), and approximately 6,000 lanterns and paper lanterns are hung on the shrine grounds to comfort the shrine's deities, the spirits of the dead. It's a summer festival. White lanterns are hung in the central worship hall, and red, white and yellow lanterns are hung around the central approach. The fantastical scenery of many lanterns reminds us of our wishes and gratitude for peace and prosperity.
〇 Reiwa 5 Manto Mitama Festival event schedule
・August 13th (Sunday) 18:30 Lantern lighting ceremony
・August 14th (Monday) 10:00 Ceremony Mitama Festival 19:00-21:00 Lantern lighting.
・Tuesday, August 15th, 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day for the Japanese Heroes of the End of the War. Lanterns will be lit from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
〇 Simultaneously held Summer Festival in Gokoku Shrine
In addition, a summer festival will be held on the grounds from 16:00 to 21:00 for three days from the 13th to the 15th, with events such as goldfish scooping and food truck stalls.
How do I see it?
The lanterns are lit from around 19:00 (after the lighting ceremony at 18:30 on the first day) until 21:00. There are no admission fees or admission fees, but please visit first. After bowing and passing through the torii gate, we washed our hands at the chozuya, and then headed to the worship hall. On the way, we pass food trucks and fairs, but we can't bear it (lol).
The etiquette for worshiping is the Shinto etiquette, ``re-worship (two bows), two applause, one bow.'' After visiting the shrine, there is also a museum with the remains of the war dead and a cenotaph on the grounds.
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Where is the parking lot? How can I access it?
During this period, parking for visitors will not be possible after 16:00. Please use public transportation or nearby paid parking lots. It is within a 5-minute walk from the west exit of Tsu Station, so it is easily accessible by train or bus.
Highlight ① Lighting ceremony by Queen Tsu
*The photo is from 2020.
A lantern lighting ceremony will be held from 18:30 on the 13th. After the ritual is performed in the worship hall with the Tsu Queen (honorary shrine maiden) serving, the sponsoring president presses the button to turn on the lantern. The moment they all light up, you can't help but cheer.
Highlight ②: Approximately 6,000 bright lanterns
The main attraction is the impressive 6,000 bright lanterns. It's a fantastic sight. It is a memorable landscape for both adults and children, and it is also a landscape that we would like to preserve for future generations.
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Recommended shooting point ① Reflection of lanterns
Why not try aiming for a puddle or a lantern hanging on a window?
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Recommended photo point ②: Take photos with guardian dogs, family, and friends
Shari the guardian dog and the lantern together. Try taking pictures in silhouette or with your family and friends.
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Recommended shooting point 3: Close-up of lanterns and telephoto compression effect
Why not try taking pictures using wide-angle or telephoto and filling the entire screen with lanterns?
Highlight ③ Festival and kitchen car
At the same time, the Summer Festival in Gokoku Shrine event will be held on the grounds from 16:00 to 21:00. There will also be a festival and food truck stalls.
Highlight ④ Limited edition Goshuin
*The photo is a regular Goshuin stamp.
During the Manto Mitama Festival period, there are limited edition Goshuin stamps available. You can also receive Goshuin stamps for the regular version and the August version. The first fruit fee is 300 yen.
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About lanterns
Mr. Yamaguchi from Gonegi says he hopes that the Manto Mitama Festival will help people learn about Mie Prefecture Gokoku Shrine and give them an opportunity to visit it.
We also accept donations of paper lanterns. If you receive a lantern, the name of the person who applied will be written on it and it will be hung in the precincts for the duration of the event. More information can be found on the Miegata Gokoku Shrine website, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mie Prefecture Gokoku Shrine HP About the lantern https://www.miegokoku.org/kento/
Detailed information