2026 Hassaku Festival & Manto-e Lantern Festival

About this event

Originating from the transfer of the principal image of Fudo Myo'o from Ujiie Katsuyama Castle on the first day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, the "Hassaku Festival" was traditionally held on September 1 each year (one month behind the solar calendar). Marking the 680th anniversary of the transfer in 2015, the Hassaku Festival was shifted to the first Sunday of September so that more temple parishioners and devotees could forge deep connections with Fudo-sama. On the preceding Saturday evening, the "Manto-e" (Festival of Ten Thousand Lanterns) is observed as the festival's eve. During Manto-e, the approach, temple grounds, and various halls are solemnly adorned with candlelight, and memorial services are held before the unveiled principal image of Fudo Myo'o. While karaoke contests were held in the past, in recent years jazz events have taken place, creating an event where tradition blends with modernity in a mystical atmosphere.

Venue

Shingon Chisan Sect Tagisan Jiho-in Temple

563 Tashiro-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-0343