Oeshiki is a Buddhist festival commemorating the anniversary of the death of Nichiren — a revered buddhist teacher who lived during the Kamakura period until about 730 years ago. Although celebrated throughout Japan, the festival held at Ikegami Honmonji Temple is the most notable as it is the place in which Nichiren died.
What happens?
The highlight of the festival is the mando (10,000 light) rite in which about 3,000 people carry sacred lanterns decorated with cherry blossoms along the approximately two-kilometer route from Ikegami Station to the temple. Some 300,000 people attend the festival on a usual year.
Schedule
The mando ceremony happens on October 12 (from around 6:30 p.m. to midnight). The procession will start from Ikegami Station and make its way to Ikegami Honmonji Temple.
It can be very crowded — so turn up early for a good view, or alternatively, this year it will also be streamed online.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
- 0.8 km from Nishi-magome Station Asakusa Line (A1)
- 1.0 km from Ikegami Station Tōkyū Ikegami Line (IK13)
- 1.5 km from Chidorichō Station Tōkyū Ikegami Line (IK12)
