The Mitama Festival 2017 at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine was a spectacular display of Japanese tradition, featuring over 30,000 glowing yellow lanterns. This mid-summer celebration is a prime location for night photography, offering a unique atmosphere where photographers capture the ‘matsuri’ spirit, traditional dances, and the iconic illuminated pathways of Chiyoda.
The summer heat in Tokyo is undeniable, and 2017 was no exception. However, unlike my visit the previous year, I arrived at Yasukuni Shrine better prepared and ready to soak in the atmosphere.
For the uninitiated, the Mitama Festival is designed to honor those who passed away defending Japan. While I acknowledge the shrine holds a level of controversy for some, I believe in setting politics aside to appreciate the cultural spectacle. It is an event that demands to be witnessed at least once.
My primary mission that year was to capture the essence of the night. My Pentax K-3 certainly struggled with the low-light conditions, but despite the technical challenges, the experience was unforgettable. I even managed to walk away with a few shots I’m proud of.
30,000 lanterns
As dusk settles, the true scale of the festival reveals itself. Thirty thousand lanterns, stacked ten rows high, flicker to life. They create a tunnel of golden light stretching from the main entrance all the way to the inner gate.
It is against this illuminated backdrop that the real action begins. The mikoshi (portable shrine) appears, a massive structure weighing nearly 1,000 kilograms. As it moves, the crowd instinctively tightens around it, creating a palpable sense of anticipation.
Mikoshi energy and motion
The atmosphere shifts from peaceful admiration to raucous excitement as the bearers take the weight. Men and women work in unison, bouncing the massive shrine rhythmically on their shoulders. Occasionally, they spin it wildly, much to the delight of the enormous crowd cheering them on.
Naturally, a sea of mobile phones rose above the spectators as everyone tried to capture the chaos. The bearers eventually took a break at the main gate, gasping for air and gathering their strength, before hoisting the mikoshi once more to carry it toward Yasukuni’s main shrine.
Was Mitama Festival 2017 worth it?
The combination of the humid night air, the pressing crowds, and the rhythmic chanting created an intense experience. By the end of the night, the energy was spent, and everyone left exhausted. Yet, the mood remained incredibly friendly and fun. If you are in Tokyo during July, I highly recommend diving into this chaotic, beautiful summer matsuri.
Photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Pentax K-3
Mitama Festival essentials
The experience
The Mitama Festival at Yasukuni Shrine is a visually stunning summer event defined by 30,000 golden lanterns and high-energy mikoshi parades.
Why go
- Visuals: One of Tokyo’s most photogenic night events.
- Atmosphere: A mix of solemn tradition and raucous festival energy.
- Photography: A challenging but rewarding environment for night photography enthusiasts.
Final takeaway
While the summer heat and crowds are intense, the spectacle of the lantern walls and the camaraderie of the bearers make this a “must-do” Tokyo experience. The festival has ended for now, but mark your calendars for next July, it will return.
Did you experience Mitama Festival 2017? Leave your questions or share your own story in the comments below. Please remember to also check out my [Yasukuni Shrine Photo Guide]
