The Mantoro (literally ‘ten thousand lanterns’) is one of Nara’s most magical events, held at Kasuga Taisha twice a year — at Setsubun in early February and during Obon in mid-August. On these evenings, all of the shrine’s roughly 3,000 lanterns are lit at once: the some 2,000 moss-covered stone lanterns lining the forest approach and the around 1,000 bronze lanterns hanging from the vermilion halls, each flame an offering from worshippers over the centuries. The forest path and shrine corridors fill with flickering golden light, an atmospheric and deeply beautiful sight rooted in nearly a thousand years of tradition.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kasuga Taisha, Nara |
| Hours | Setsubun (Feb 2–3) & mid-August Obon evenings |
| Admission | Small inner-area fee during the lighting |
| Time needed | An evening |
| Best time | Setsubun Feb; Obon mid-August |
What to See
- All 3,000 lanterns lit at once across shrine and forest.
- The 2,000 moss-covered stone lanterns of the forest approach aglow.
- The 1,000 bronze lanterns flickering in the vermilion halls.
- A magical golden evening rooted in centuries of tradition.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with a daytime visit to Kasuga Taisha .
- Pair with Todaiji and Nara Park.
- Read our Nara overview .
Getting There
- On foot / bus: to Kasuga Taisha in Nara Park; the approach is best walked.
- Timing: the lighting is in the evening on the festival dates — check the year’s schedule.
Tips
Time your visit for the evening lighting on Setsubun (February 2–3) or the mid-August Obon dates, and walk the lantern-lined forest approach slowly as the light fades — the glow deepens as it gets darker. There’s usually a small fee to enter the inner area during the lighting; it draws crowds, so arrive as the lanterns are lit rather than at peak, and dress warmly for the February evening.
