Bonbori Festival

A Magical Kamakura Tradition

The Bonbori Festival is held every summer at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, starting one day before the first day of fall according to the lunar calendar and lasting until August 9th. This summer festival includes several events: the "Nagoshisai" festival held one day before the first day of fall, the "Risshusai" festival held on the first day of fall and the "Sanetomosai" festival which is held on August 9th, the birthdate of Minamoto no Sanetomo. Nearly 400 lanterns decorated by celebrities associated with Kamakura line both sides of the approach to the shrine and the Yabusame horseback archery course. They are lit at night creating a magical atmosphere in the shrine precinct. The festival was first started by Kamakura Pen Club members in 1938 to promote the culture of Kamakura to visitors to Kamakura's beach. Tatsuo Nagai is one writer who described the festival atmosphere in his novels.