Events & Ceremonies
A variety of sacred events and ceremonies are held throughout the year
Annual Events
Shigisan Daihonzan Senjuin holds a variety of events and ceremonies throughout the year.
The Bishamon Goma fire ritual has been performed every morning without interruption for over 1,100 years,
and we warmly invite you to visit in conjunction with the important seasonal ceremonies as well.
Annual Events Calendar
| Spring — January to April | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Shushoe (New Year Ceremony) | January 3 — The first ceremony of the new year. A Goma prayer is performed to invoke peace and well-being for the year ahead. |
| Jan | Sagicho (Great Bonfire) | January 14 — New Year decorations and sacred charms are ritually burned in prayer for good health throughout the year. |
| Feb | Setsubun Star Festival & Grand Purification Ceremony | A ceremony to dispel misfortune brought by the year's celestial alignments and to pray for good fortune and blessings. |
| Mar | Spring Equinox Service (Higan-e) | A seven-day memorial service centred on the vernal equinox, offering gratitude and prayers for one's ancestors. |
| Apr | Hanamatsuri (Buddha's Birthday) | April 8 — A ceremony celebrating the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. Sweet tea is poured over the Buddha statue in celebration. |
| Apr | Zenikame Festival | Second Sunday and the preceding day (2026: April 11 & 12) Unveiling of the hidden Golden Zenikame deity, Zenikame prayer, Saito Dai-Goma fire ritual, and treasure scattering |
| Summer — May to August | ||
|---|---|---|
| May | Twenty-Eight Messengers Procession & Mt. Omine Pilgrimage | A ritual procession honouring the twenty-eight messengers of Bishamonten, followed by a sacred pilgrimage to Mt. Omine. |
| Jun | Grand Festival of Bishamonten's Manifestation | The grandest festival at Mt. Shigi, commemorating the moment Prince Shotoku received the divine revelation of Bishamonten. |
| Jul | Bishamonten Summer Grand Festival | A summer grand festival featuring a special Goma fire prayer ceremony. |
| Aug | Obon Memorial & Segaki Service | During the Obon season, the spirits of ancestors are welcomed and honoured with prayers of gratitude. |
| Autumn — September to October | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sep | Autumn Equinox Service (Higan-e) | A seven-day memorial service centred on the autumnal equinox, offering gratitude and prayers for one's ancestors. |
| Sep | Bishamon Kanjo (Consecration Ceremony) | A special consecration ceremony in which participants receive the direct blessing of Bishamonten. |
| Oct | Shigisan Tiger Festival | A festival commemorating Prince Shotoku's divine encounter with Bishamonten in the year, on the day, and at the hour of the Tiger. |
| Winter — November to December | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nov | Autumn Foliage Festival & Special Viewing | Enjoy a special temple viewing amidst the magnificent autumn foliage of Mt. Shigi. |
| Dec | Daikon (Radish) Cooking Gathering | A cherished winter tradition in which radish simmered on the temple grounds is shared to pray for good health. |
| Dec | New Year's Eve Bell & Year-End Goma Prayer | December 31 — The year draws to a close with the ringing of the temple bell and a special year-end Goma fire prayer. |
Monthly & Daily Observances
Daily Observances
- Bishamon Goma Every morning
A Goma fire prayer ritual that has been performed without a single day's interruption for over 1,100 years since its establishment by the monk Myoren. All visitors are welcome to attend.
Monthly Observances
- Zazen Meditation Experience 4th Saturday, 10:00 / 14:00
- Sutra Copying & Buddha Drawing Daily, 9:00 - 16:00
Sutra copying and Buddha drawing require advance reservation. The Zazen meditation experience is available without reservation (walk-in welcome).
Latest Announcements
There are no announcements at this time.
Event dates may vary from year to year. Please refer to our latest announcements or contact us by telephone for the most current information.
We Look Forward to Your Participation
For details about our events or how to participate, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reception Hours: 8:30 - 17:00