Jizo-e Manto Kuyo / Gangoji Temple
Area
- Photo : Courtesy of Gangoji Temple
- Photo : Courtesy of Gangoji Temple
- Photo : Courtesy of Gangoji Temple
- Photo : Courtesy of Gangoji Temple
Thousands of stone lanterns and candles are creating a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere.
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Jizo-e Manto Kuyo is a sacred lantern memorial service held every year in late August at Gangoji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara. The event is dedicated to Jizo Bodhisattva, a deity widely revered as the guardian of children, travelers, and the souls of the deceased.
Two Jizo Bodhisattvas are enshrined in the main hall, where lanterns donated by renowned figures from various fields are displayed. On both days, after a memorial service, the Manto Kuyo is held in the temple grounds in the evening. Rapeseed oil is poured into a lantern dish, a prayer written in ink is lit, and a rush grass wick is lit. Thousands of stone lanterns and candles are creating a breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil atmosphere. You can purchase lantern dishes to write your wish on the day.
The event attracts both locals and tourists who seek a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
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General Information
- Event period
- 2026/8/23 (Sun) - 24 (Mon) *17:00 - 20:30 (gates close at 21:00)
- Event venue
- Gangoji Temple
- Address
- 11 Chuin-cho, Nara City, Nara, 630-8392
- Access
- A 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 5-minute walk from the "Fukuchiin-cho" bus stop.
A 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station or a 5-minute walk from the "Tanaka-cho" bus stop on the city loop bus. - Website
