Festivals & Events
Ikegami Honmonji Temple Oeshiki Ceremony 池上本門寺 御会式
A memorial festival that attracts 300,000 guests each year
Running October 11 to 13, Ikegami Honmonji Oeshiki is an annual memorial of Nichiren's death, one of Japan's most iconic Buddhist figures.
Quick Facts
300,000 visitors make their way to Ikegami Honmonji for this event
Roughly 3,000 participants carry lanterns in a parade from the station to the temple
How to Get There
The closest station is Ikegami Station, located on the Tokyu-Ikegami Line. From there, Ikegami Honmonji Temple is a 10-minute walk.
One of Buddhism's most revered figures
Located on the historic grounds of the temple of Ikegami Honmonji 
, Ikegami Honmonji Oeshiki is a massive Buddhist festival commemorating the anniversary of Nichiren's death. Nichiren, who lived from 1222 to 1282, was one of the religion's most revered figures during the time.
The biggest memorial for Nichiren
Even though this event is celebrated in other locations throughout Japan, the event at Ikegami Honmonji is widely considered the main celebration. It is here that Nichiren passed away at age 61. While ill, Nichiren left his residence in Mt. Minobu for the healing hot springs in the Hitachi area. He never made it to the hot springs, stopping short of his destination and finally passing away in Ikegami.
A massive lantern parade
The festival's highlight occurs on the second day (October 12), with around 3,000 people carrying lanterns decorated with cherry blossoms from Ikegami Station to the temple. The route is about two kilometers long. It's estimated that 300,000 people attend the festival each year.
The latest information may differ, so please check the official website
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.
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