On May 4, 2024, a special evening viewing called ''Iwashimizu Toryoka'' was held for the first time in five years at Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Yawata, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture. The lights of lanterns floated around the main shrine and the approach, attracting visitors.
Iwashimizu Toryoka was last canceled in 2019 due to the new coronavirus. This time, a prayer festival was also held to pray for recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake and world peace, and more than 500 lanterns with lit candles were placed on a special stage in front of the main shrine.
More than 150 light-emitting diode (LED) stone lanterns were lit inside the shrine grounds, highlighting the stone pavement of the approach and the vermillion main shrine, which is designated as a national treasure. There were also people eagerly pressing the shutter of their cameras.
A ''shōden worship'' event was also held at the main shrine where a Shinto priest gave an explanation. In the soft light that differed from the daytime atmosphere, worshipers deepened their understanding of the carvings on the shrine building and the history of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine.
