Shimotano Andon Festival

About this event

This is a festival of Akagi Daijinja Shrine held every year on the third Saturday and Sunday of March. Originally said to have started at Saifuku-ji Temple as the Hyakuhachito Spirit Festival, it is believed to have begun to comfort the spirits of Hachigata Hojo samurai and farmers who died in battle against the Kai Takeda forces. More than 400 paper lanterns (andon) line the approach to Akagi Daijinja Shrine, and they are lit all at once at dusk. While local painters and shrine parishioners used to paint the pictures on the lanterns, in recent years paintings of manga characters popular among children have also been increasing.

Venue

Akagi Daijinja Shrine

919 Shimotano, Minano, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1413