Mitama Matsuri

30’000 lanterns and ten times more people

It’s mid-July, the thermometer is close to 40 degrees, the humidity is over 80% but the show must go on.

a glimpse of the thousands of lanterns that hang throughout the temple

Mitama Matsuri (みたままつり), one of Tokyo’s most popular summer festivals, has been held annually since 1947 at Yasukuni Shrine. Drawing approximately 300,000 visitors, it is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. The festival features a captivating display of 30,000 lanterns adorning the shrine grounds, accompanied by messages and paintings contributed by celebrities from various fields

To craft an awe-inspiring path toward the main shrine, 30,000 lanterns are delicately suspended from towering metal scaffolds along the promenade. This breathtaking spectacle sets the tone for the festival, which spans four days, commencing on July 13th. Attendees can relish in various activities such as traditional dances, captivating brass band performances, and a myriad of other engaging experiences.