Taga Shrine, Shiga

The Manto Sai is held to give thanks to the god who guards the spirits of our ancestors in the underworld. Gentle light from thousands of paper lanterns illuminates the Taga Taisha building and grounds. The festival starts by producing fire at a place called Sugisakayama, which is believed to be the place that the god appeared. At 7pm, 12,000 paper lanterns will then be simultaneously lit with the holy fire. Yukata-clad visitors stroll around the shrine grounds, which are full of festive atmosphere. Japanese folk dance and classical performing arts entertain the crowds.