Anamori Inari Shrine Lantern Festival

The Anamori Inari Shrine Lantern Festival is a cherished annual event taking place in late August at the Anamori Inari Shrine in Ota City. Over two days, parishioners and visitors create and light approximately 300 handmade lanterns, bearing illustrations from children and adults alike, including kabuki actors, ukiyo-e prints, popular characters, and landscape paintings.

The festivities commence around sunset with a solemn Shinto ceremony held in the sanctuary. Following this, female shrine attendants and local elders distribute candles, guiding attendees to make their wishes at the opened sanctuary before each person takes a turn to light a lantern. Despite its location within vast urban Tokyo, the festival maintains a distinct hometown atmosphere, warmly welcoming everyone to participate.

Beyond the lantern lighting, the evening is enlivened with various cultural performances. Attendees can enjoy children's dance performances set to pop music, followed by more traditional drumming and dancing. Food stalls are also a central part of the celebration, offering popular festival foods like yakisoba and drinks, encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy the community spirit.