Nebuta giant float set up in shrine near Tokyo

A giant paper float has been illuminated at a shrine near Tokyo in preparation for worshippers during the New Year.

The wooden-framed float was placed into Samukawa Shrine, south of Tokyo. It is featured in one of Japan's most famous summer events, the Nebuta festival, held annually in Aomori Prefecture. The float was brought from Aomori, and measures 2 meters tall and 8-and-a-half meters wide.

The painted shapes are the main characters of a 10th century Japanese folktale known as the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

This scene shows the protagonist, Princess Kaguya, on her way back to the Moon while a young aristocratic suitor tries to stop her.

The Princess is holding a rabbit, which is the zodiac sign for 2011.

On Monday night, shrine officials tested the 400 light bulbs inside the float, to the delight of visitors.

One woman said the float was very colorful and beautiful.

The shrine will illuminate the float every night from New Year's Day through February 3rd.