2025 Edition! The 14th Azumino Kamiakari (God's Bamboo Lantern) held at Hodako-jinja Shrine in Nagano, Japan

  • Nagano
  • Sightseeing
Azumino Bamboo Lantern Festival
The "Azumino Kamiakari" bamboo lantern event is held every year from the first Friday to Sunday in December at Hodako-jinja Shrine in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. In 2025, the event will be held on December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14. In this issue, we will introduce some of the highlights of the festival, including past events, events on the day of the festival, and red seals available only during the Shintake Lantern Festival.

Origin of "Shintake Lanterns

The origin of Shintake Lanterns can be found in the "Shintake Lantern Story. Hotakanomikoto, the god of Kyushu's maritime people, is enshrined at Hodako-jinja Shrine. Hotakami-no-mikoto had a sister named Toyotama-hime, the goddess of Mount Grandmother in Kyushu. She gave him a bamboo canister, which was a gift from Toyotama-hime. In Takeda City, at the foot of Princess Toyotama, there is a festival called "Chikuraku," in which bamboo is lit with lights, which was started to protect the satoyama. They gave the gift to Azumino to share the spirit of people who cherish the mountains. Therefore, Hotakami named the festival "Shintake Lanterns" so that the light of the bamboo could brightly illuminate everyone's hearts, and decided to start it in Azumino as well.
Kamiakari" event

The 14th Azumino Kamiakari" details

Dates: December 5 (Fri.), 6 (Sat.), 7 (Sun.), 12 (Fri.), 13 (Sat.), 14 (Sun.), 2025
Location: Hodaka Shrine, Azumino City
Lighting hours: from 16:00 to around 20:00
Flyer front
Back side of the leaflet

Light of Prayer" lit by the thoughts of the local people

Shintake Lantern Festival is not only an event, but also a prayer for the safety and recovery of the community. It is impressive to see local children and volunteers participating in this event, carving their wishes on a single bamboo and lighting it. This event, which strengthens the bonds of the community, symbolizes the connection between the traditions of Azumino and its future.
Hodako-jinja Shrine and Shinto Bamboo Lanterns

Photo spot" where professional photographers take pictures

A photo spot with Japanese umbrellas and other items to match the atmosphere of the sacred bamboo lanterns is also available. It is difficult for individuals to take beautiful pictures in the dark. Why not take a commemorative photo at one of the photo spots?
Photo spots are available for a fee.
Photo Spot

Experience the lighting of the lanterns! Introduction of various events

Kaguraden Live" to liven up the event

This year, more artists than usual will perform at the concert to liven up the event. 2025 will feature four artists including Yuko Hanamura, a singer who is also active as an Azumino FM personality, and her musical friends, who will enliven the Azumino Shinchiku-doro.

Public Participation Lighting Ceremony" where you can light bamboo lanterns with your own hands

The lighting ceremony is open to the public to light the bamboo lanterns. Anyone who brings a lighter for lighting the lanterns by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event is welcome to participate. Don't you feel that just by lighting the lanterns yourself, you can make the space even more special?
Lighters for lighting are also available for sale at the venue. We recommend that you use a lighter with a long handle.
Participatory lighting ceremony

Only at this time of the year, "Shintake Lantern Red Seal

During the event period, from 16:00 to around 20:00, red seals that are only available during this time of year will be distributed. This red seal contains the words "Shinchiku-doro" (divine bamboo lantern) and a bamboo lantern.
Red Seal (image)*First fee: 500 yen

Enjoy Azumino products at the "Kamiakari Market

Take a breather on a cold night with hot food and drinks. Kitchen cars and craft booths will be lined up where you can enjoy foods and other items produced in Azumino. In the past, stores offering boxed lunches, baked goods, beer, coffee, and more have opened their booths.

A scene from past events

Azumino Shintake Lanterns", a world of mystery and fantasy

Please enjoy Kamiakari this winter.

We introduced the "Azumino Shintake Lantern Festival" at Hodaka Shrine, which is held for only six days a year. The venue is only a 10-minute walk from JR Hotaka Station for easy access. It is recommended to dress warmly for the cold winter months. The bamboo lanterns lit in the winter air create a fantastic atmosphere, and we hope you will enjoy the "Azumino Shintake Lantern Festival.

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles