The Mantō Mitama Matsuri is an annual festival for the enshrined deity of Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine, a guardian of peace.
What happens?
Around 2,000 lanterns will be hung and 100 shrine maidens (miko in Japanese) will perform a traditional marriage dance. There will also be a kagura performance — a type of ceremonial shinto dance — on both days.
Schedule
The festival will start at 6 p.m. on both days. The shrine maiden dance will only be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The kagura performance will be held after the maiden dance on Saturday and at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
How to get there
The shrine is held in the precincts of Hiroshima Castle, which is easily accessed on foot, by bus, or by tram from almost anywhere in central Hiroshima.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 0.6 km from Shukkeien-mae Station Hiroden Line 9
- 0.6 km from Katei Saibansho-mae Station Hiroden Line 9
- 0.6 km from Jogakuin-mae Station Hiroden Line 9