Guida
The Kannon Manto-e is a special event held at Hase-dera, the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist school's Toyazan sect in Nara Prefecture, from New Year's Eve through New Year's Day. This event is held in conjunction with the 'Honzon Kaicho' (unveiling of the main deity) ceremony. As visitors offer prayers for family safety and good fortune, countless lights and 'Manto' lanterns decorate the temple's corridors. The warm, soft glow from the lanterns placed along the long wooden corridors and hanging from the pillars creates a serene and sacred atmosphere.
Hase-dera is famously known as the 'Temple of Flowers' and has a long history of welcoming many pilgrims. The Kannon Manto-e is a vital ritual for welcoming the new year alongside the unveiling of the main deity. This tradition of offering light to express prayers for prosperity and well-being is a beautiful example of how Japanese people traditionally welcome the new year. The sight of light and the sound of the Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve bells) represent a deep cultural connection to spiritual renewal.
The central stage for this event is the long, wooden corridor of Hase-dera. The scenery is created by various types of lights, such as 'Toro-oki Manto' (lanterns placed on the floor) and 'Toro-tsuri Manto' (lanterns hanging from the pillars), which provide a sense of depth and warmth to the landscape. Because it coincides with the unveiling of the main deity, the atmosphere is exceptionally solemn and spiritual, especially as the bells ring to signal the start of the new year.
The event is held annually from December 31st to January 1st. The most special time to visit is during the transition from New Year's Eve to the New Year, when the resonance of the bells and the glow of the lanterns create an unforgettable experience. Please note that the reception for purchasing lanterns and lights remains open until 5:00 AM on January 1st. The crisp winter air enhances the visual impact of the warm lights.
Visitors can participate by offering their own lights or prayers. Options include 'Manto' (large) or 'Kito-fuda' (large) to be hung from the corridor, 'Manto' or 'Kigan-fuda' (medium/small) to be placed on the floor, and 'Tomoshibi' (lights) to be placed near the Sutra Seal Office (Nokyosho). These offerings allow you to physically manifest your wishes for the coming year.
Hase-dera is located in the historic Yamato-ji area of Nara. The surrounding region is filled with historical landscapes and natural beauty. As a 'Temple of Flowers,' the area offers different charms in every season, making it a perfect destination for those interested in history and nature.