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Kasuga Taisha Announces Setsubun Mandanto Event for February 2027
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Kasuga Taisha has announced a Setsubun Mandanto event scheduled for February 3, 2027. The event will take place at 19:30 and last approximately 70 minutes. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Haranoiwa and the Main Hall (Omiya) during the event. The participation fee is set at 3,000 yen per person, which includes fukumame (lucky beans). The event is open to elementary school students and above, with the same price applying to all participants. A minimum of five participants is required for the event to take place.
The Setsubun Mandanto event will feature approximately 3,000 lanterns, including 2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lanterns, which will be lit with purifying fire. This tradition dates back to the Muromachi and Edo periods when residents of Nara town performed the ritual as a prayer for rain. The event aims to offer participants a unique experience of praying to the gods through the illumination of the lanterns.
The event route begins at the Nitoi Torii gate, leading participants to the Haranoiwa, followed by a visit to the Main Hall (Omiya) through the South Gate and the East Corridor. The path concludes with a special visit to the Main Hall via the Middle Gate and back through the South Gate. The route is designed to provide a comprehensive tour of the shrine's key areas, enhancing the spiritual and cultural experience for participants.
The participation fee of 3,000 yen covers the cost of the event and includes fukumame, which are considered lucky beans in Japanese tradition. These beans are believed to bring good fortune and are often used in Setsubun celebrations to drive away evil spirits. The inclusion of fukumame in the participation fee adds a traditional element to the event, making it more authentic and culturally rich.
Kasuga Taisha is one of the most significant shrines in Japan, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The Setsubun Mandanto event is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the shrine's traditions and rituals in a special setting. The event is expected to attract a diverse group of participants, including locals and tourists, who are interested in Japanese culture and spirituality.
Source: Kasuga Taisha — 令和８年度秋・冬 ⑧幻想的な節分万燈籠を体験（神職や御巫等の案内付） | 春日大社