Look at the pinky of the large Kannon statue! A matchmaking experience at Akai Ito Kigansai
In Gunma Prefecture, there is a gigantic white statue of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy, looking over the town with merciful eyes, and there is a unique festival in which people pray for good matchmaking by touching a red string extended from the pinky of the statue!
About one hour from Tokyo by bullet train, a towering, 41.8-meter-tall Takasaki Byakui Daikannon statue stands in the hills of the Takasaki Kannon-yama, from which you can enjoy the panoramic view of Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Built in 1936, the grand Kannon statue has been not only a landmark of the city, but also a place where a special festival called Akai Ito Kigansai (meaning “red thread prayer festival”) is held every year to pray for finding a good match.
The red thread is hanging down from the pinky of Takasaki Byakui Daikannon
Akai Ito Kigansai runs for one month, beginning on Valentine’s Day, February 14, on which Japanese people traditionally express love by giving chocolate. This festival has been inspired by an Eastern legend that we are connected with one’s destined soulmate through an invisible red thread. In hopes of finding a good match, the festival goers pray while touching the red thread that is hanging down from the pinky of the Kannon statue. At night, the 30-meter red thread, lit up with LED lights, emerges from the dark, and creates an even more romantic mood.
The illuminated Kannon statue is also a popular photo spot.
During the festival period, there is a special gold version of Goshuin (meaning “red ink stamp”), a traditional commemorative stamp given at shrines and temples. Moreover, heart-shaped lighting is set up, with the Kannon statue in the background, as a perfect photo spot for capturing beautiful moments.
Also, in conjunction with the festival, “Kannon-sama Ni Natte Sekaiju Ni Ai Wo Sakebu!! Contest” (meaning “Transform yourself into Kannon and shout out your love to the world!! contest") is also held. In this unique contest, participants, men and women of all ages, put on facial makeup to look like the Kannon statue and shout out their feelings to their loved ones. The stage is to be set up at Takasaki Station’s East-West Pedestrian Deck where many people walk by. The participants are rated based on their loudness and performance quality, and the winner gets prizes including meal tickets of popular local restaurants. If you think you’ve got what it takes to win, check the official Instagram and Facebook accounts of the organizer, Incorporated NPO Takasaki Network, for registration openings.
Participants of a past contest
Akai Ito Kigansai is free to enter. You should definitely visit there if you are interested in Japan’s unique festivals.
At Jigenin temple, you can go inside the Kannon statue even outside the period of Akai Ito Kigansai and enjoy the panoramic view of Takasaki City through a small window at the statue’s shoulder. Moreover, Ichirodo Café, which is located in the grounds of the temple, serves Buddhist style vegetarian-oriented dishes during lunch time, so make sure to stop by when you visit Takasaki.
■DATA. Akai Ito Kigansai (Red Thread Prayer Festival) Dates: Friday, February 14 – Friday, March 14, 2025 Location: Takasaki Byakui Daikannon at Koyasan Shingon-shu sect’s Jigenin temple Address: 2710-1 Ishihara-machi, Takasaki-shi, Gunma Access: About 20 minutes by city loop bus Gururin Kannon-yama Line bound for Kataoka Sakimawari, which departs from the bus stop outside the Takasaki Station west exit Official website:https://takasakikannon.or.jp/ Incorporated NPO Takasaki Network Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npo_takasaki_net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akaiitokigansai/
(Information as of December 2024)
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