Highlights

  • About 3,000 lanterns lit together at dusk
  • Bronze hanging lanterns glowing in the corridors
  • Atmospheric paths through Kasuga's sacred forest

Background & story

Held each February (Setsubun) and again in mid-August (Obon), the Mantoro lights the lanterns donated to Kasuga Taisha over its long history as prayers and thanks.

Good to know for visitors

Getting there
Bus from Kintetsu Nara Stn to Kasuga Taisha Honden　Open directions in Google Maps ↗
Booking & entry
Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
Paying
Small fee to enter the inner lantern corridors. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
Language
Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
Good for
culture seekers, date night, families

Good to know

The August Obon Mantoro falls on the 14th-15th; the deer of Nara Park roam nearby, so it pairs well with a late-afternoon park stroll.

Getting there

Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara — 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara

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Japan-Event Editorial
  • Japan-based editorial team
  • Primary sources, cited
  • Variable facts dated

The Japan-Event editorial desk. We work from primary sources and date every claim that can change.