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February 3, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Event date:
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February 3, 2026 at 8:30 pm
Event end:
History
The Setsubun Mantoro festival at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara has been celebrated for over 800 years. The event is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, with many of the lanterns donated by citizens and samurai warriors during the Warring States Period.
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Contact Jasumo Now →This festival marks Setsubun, the day before the official start of spring in the Japanese lunar calendar. The ritual lighting of stone and bronze lanterns symbolizes purification, protection from evil spirits, and a prayer for longevity and good fortune. Over the centuries, the festival has preserved the essence of pre-electric Japan, allowing visitors to experience centuries-old customs in a serene and magical atmosphere.
Kasuga Taisha itself is a historic Shinto shrine established in 768, known for its beautiful architecture, forested pathways, and thousands of lanterns that create a mystical glow during this festival.
Overview
In 2026, Setsubun Mantoro will take place on Tuesday, February 3, in the early evening from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Visitors can admire over 3,000 lanterns lighting up the shrine’s precincts, including stone lanterns in the gardens and hanging lanterns along corridors. Many lanterns are decorated with strips of Japanese paper bearing people’s wishes, adding a personal and spiritual touch to the display.
The event also features sacred dance performances, traditional music, and cultural activities that immerse visitors in centuries-old rituals. Beans, good luck charms, and votive horse pictures are popular items during the festival, each symbolizing long life and good fortune for the coming year.
This festival is ideal for photography enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking a tranquil and culturally rich experience in Nara.
Highlights
- Over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns illuminated throughout the shrine.
- Sacred dance performances in the early evening.
- Lanterns decorated with wishes on Japanese paper.
- Traditional Setsubun items such as beans and votive horse pictures.
- Experience a centuries-old ritual in a serene and historic Shinto shrine.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Witness one of Japan’s most atmospheric Setsubun events.
- Enjoy a unique, historically rich festival with centuries-old traditions.
- Perfect for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.
- Free entry makes it easy to include in your Nara visit.
- Experience cultural rituals, lantern displays, and spiritual practices in one setting.
If you are visiting Japan or already in Japan and need assistance with custom tours, experiences, transportation, ticket booking, or more, contact Jasumo via our Contact Us page.
Schedule
- Approx. 5:30 PM: Sacred dance performance begins.
- Approx. 6:00 PM: All 3,000 lanterns are lit.
- 8:30 PM: Viewing ends and shrine gates close.
Pricing
- Free entry to Kasuga Taisha and Setsubun Mantoro festival.
Location
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
160 Kasugano-cho, Nara 630-8212, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train: Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station, followed by a 20–30 minute walk to Kasuga Taisha.
- By Bus/Taxi: Local buses or taxis from Nara Station are available.
- Parking: Limited; public transportation is recommended during festival hours.
Accommodation Options
Nara offers a variety of lodging options. Budget guesthouses and hotels near central Nara are available for around ¥5,000–¥10,000 per night.
Mid-range and boutique accommodations, including traditional ryokans, cost approximately ¥10,000–¥15,000 per night. Early reservations are advised during the Setsubun festival period.
FAQs
What is Setsubun Mantoro?
It is a traditional lantern festival at Kasuga Taisha Shrine marking the transition from winter to spring.
When is the festival held in 2026?
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from approximately 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
How much does it cost to attend?
Entry to the shrine and festival is free.
What can I see at the festival?
Over 3,000 lanterns, sacred dance performances, and traditional Setsubun items such as beans and votive charms.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes! The festival offers a safe, serene, and culturally enriching experience suitable for all ages.
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