ABOUT
About Mantouya
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
The venue of Echizen Asakura Mantouya, the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins, is the site of a castle town ruled by five generations of the Asakura clan for 103 years during the Warring States period.
Until it was destroyed by Oda Nobunaga's forces in 1573, it flourished as a center of culture where nobles and monks from Kyoto and Nara gathered, earning it the name "the Little Kyoto of Hokuriku."
Excavations that began in 1962 uncovered an almost complete townscape and many valuable artifacts, making it the sixth site in Japan to receive a triple national designation (Special Historic Site, Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and Important Cultural Property).
* The other five: Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Daigo-ji Sampo-in, Itsukushima Shrine, and the Heijo Palace site.
In 2019, a story woven around the theme of "stone" — linking the Ichijodani ruins with other cultural assets — was recognized as a Japan Heritage. Light-up events have been held at these historic ruins since 2004, and this year marks the 22nd.
How Mantouya Began
In the very first year, the Fukui Flood of July struck, causing extensive flooding across the former Asuwa district. The damage was severe and the event was nearly canceled, but with the help of more than 10,000 volunteers from across Japan, 3,000 candles were lit just three months after the disaster.
Lights of Gratitude and Recovery
Mantouya began as a prayer for recovery from the Fukui flood and a way to thank the volunteers. To this day, the people of the seven former Asuwa districts (Sakou, Ichijo, Kami-Monju, Monju, Rokujo, Togo, and Miyama) work together to prepare for it each year.
Divided by district, around 150 people begin filling the cups with water and candles about three hours before the lighting ceremony.
Become a Light Supporter
For a summer memory, why not draw your wishes or illustrations on a cup with family, friends, or your partner, and light a candle together? Looking for a cup you drew in a past year is fun, too.
General participation (donation) — available at the main reception.
Decorate it freely and light your own one-of-a-kind cup.
A great deal with Fukui's famous oroshi soba — freshly made and boiled to order.
* Proceeds from cups and candles go toward next year's candles.