Ōmiya Shrine, Yamaga (大宮神社) 大宮神社
The lanterns are made only of paper and glue, without a single nail: 200 yen to see them up close.
The grounds cover ten thousand square metres. According to tradition, the shrine stands where the twelfth emperor, Keikō, is said to have lodged during his tour of Kyūshū, and it was dedicated to him on the site of that temporary residence. The lanterns come from the same story: the inhabitants are said to have welcomed him in thick fog holding torches, and between 1592 and 1596 the torches were replaced by paper lanterns to be offered to the shrine. The grounds also hold a group of stelae dedicated to Sarutahiko, the god who opens the way. The festival that grew out of it, the 山鹿灯籠まつり, is now known throughout the country.
Kumamoto
[object Object], [object Object]
