Over 400 Years
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Tokyo
The Oeshiki is a Buddhist ritual held on the anniversary of the death of Nichiren, the founder the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. Followers gather annually from near and far to hold various prayers over three days. This festival is a great and easy way to get to know more about the religions of Japan, especially the Nichiren sect itself. Both the rituals and the festival are open for anyone to participate. The highlight is the Manto parade service held on the 12th. Over 100 Manto (decorated lantern-like festival objects) decorated in cherry blossoms gather to walk the 2km stretch from the Ikegami Station to the Honmon-ji Temple.
This impressive procession features over 3,000 participants and annually gathers a crowd of over 300,000. It is a festival that people of all ages can enjoy all night and offers many stalls for a great way to savor the long night in Autumn.
This procession of Manto goes on from 6:00pm until midnight and is the most exciting part out of the three-day long festival. The parade features five-level towers that are lit up and decorated with white and pink cherry blossoms made from Washi paper that drape down the sides of the Manto. Leading each of the groups is the Matoi, a pole with long thin decorations hanging down the sides, which is spun and waved around vigorously. Each Matoi is different, depending on the region participating, so give them a close look as they are boldly raised to the sky while passing by.
From 8:00am on the 13th, the Rinmetsu Doji Hoyo service begins and dozens of Buddhist priests and visitors alike begin their prayers to give thanks to Nichiren for his everyday guidance. It is the perfect time for any one who would like to learn more about the Nichiren sect, one of Japan's religion. The ritual is held in a most solemn atmosphere, so please be sure to keep silent and let the soft sound of the gong relax you.
The entire venue is considered a sacred place, so please be sure to follow the rules and bring any trash home with you.
Please refrain from touching the Manto and do not block the procession in any way.
The Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple and the areas surrounding the Ikegami Station will be very crowded.
Please follow directions.
Access
By Train
10min walk from Ikegami Station on the Tokyu Line
By Bus
Take the Tokyu Bus headed for Ikegami. Get off at Honmon-ji Mae. 5min walk from bus stop.
Venue
Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple
Address: 1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota Ward, Tokyo
