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

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.

This year's nebuta was made by the nebuta artisan Makoto Suwa.  On the left is Nanda Ryu-o (難陀龍王) and on the right is his younger brother Upananda Ryu-o (跋難陀龍王), two of the Eight Great Dragon Kings (八大龍王), tracing their origins to Indian nagarajas.  The nebuta will be on display until February 26 and will be lit up until 22:00 during nighttime.

The Geishun Nebuta at night