The Geishun Nebuta (迎春ねぶた) of Samukawa-jinja Shrine (寒川神社)

The Shinmon nebuta during daytime

Since 2001, Samukawa-jinja Shrine (寒川神社), in Samukawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, has been displaying the Geishun Nebuta (迎春ねぶた) during this time of year.  Geishun (迎春) means welcoming the new year and nebuta (ねぶた) refers to large lanterns, often depicting mythical or historical figures, made from Japanese washi paper, usually placed on floats.

Main Hall

There are two nebuta, one on the Shinmon (神門), the gate in front of the Main Hall, and the other placed inside the Main Hall (Gosyaden).

The nebuta on the Shinmon was made by the nebuta artisan Shun-ichi Kitamura.  On the left is Ninigi-no-Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊), the god of peace & stability of the nation and prosperity, and on the right is Konohanasakuya-hime (木花咲耶姫), the goddess of good childbirth.  In the middle is their son, Hoori-no-Mikoto (火遠理命), who is said to be the grandfather of Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan.  The nebuta is lit up until 22:00.

The Shinmon nebuta at night

The nebuta placed inside the Main Hall was made by the nebuta artisan Makoto Suwa and depicts a ceremonial dance by miko called "Urayasu no Mai (浦安の舞)."

The nebuta inside the Main Hall

They will be on display until February 23.