Seasonal Journey Calendar
A Journey Through the Annual Events of the Nichirenshu
Experience Japan's seasonal Nichiren Buddhist festivals through three carefully selected temples each month. From Oeshiki's lantern processions to Hanamatsuri celebrations, we present each ceremony with curatorial insight, exploring the unique character of temples.
Three Prayers, Three Beginnings — A Special New Year’s Day with Nichiren Buddhism 03
Ring the New Year’s bell, witness the first sunrise, receive blessings from ascetic monks. Three sacred sites of Nichiren Buddhism offer distinct New Year’s experiences: a vibrant festival welcoming 450,000 visitors, a majestic sunrise over the Pacific, and powerful prayers from monks who completed 100 days of rigorous training. Beyond tourism, these are moments to renew your spirit. Which New Year’s will you choose?
Pick Up 3 Temples
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Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Tokyo's Grandest New Year Spectacle — Where 450,000 Gather
At midnight on New Year's Eve, 600 visitors take turns in groups of six to ring the temple bell. This sacred site where Nichiren Shonin passed away offers a unique blend of solemnity and celebration. Over 450,000 people visit during the first three days, making it Tokyo's largest hatsumode destination. Experience food stalls, limited-edition lucky dove amulets, and 700 years of continuous prayer tradition—finding sacredness within the festive atmosphere.
1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8576
TEL: 03-3752-2331
WEB: https://honmonji.jp -
Tanjoh-ji Temple
Light of Hope Rising from the Pacific — First Sunrise at the Birthplace of Nichiren Shonin Hokkekyoji Temple
Komonato, the sacred birthplace of Nichiren Shonin. Around 6:45 AM, the year's first light rises from the Pacific horizon. A solemn experience where sky and sea turn golden, evoking life's beginning. On New Year's Day, a "First Sunrise Cruise" departs from nearby Tai-no-Ura to view the sunrise from the ocean. Perfect for those seeking a quiet, natural New Year's celebration in harmony with nature.
183 Kominato, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, 299-5501
TEL: 04-7095-2621
WEB: https://tanjoh-ji.jp -
Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple
Sacred New Year Prayers — Blessings from Monks Who Completed One of the World's Three Great Ascetic Practices
New Year prayers offered by shuhōshi monks who completed 100 days of daiaragyō—waking at 2 AM daily, performing seven cold-water ablutions, eating only twice daily with near-fasting conditions. Their prayers after such extreme asceticism are believed to possess special spiritual power, drawing visitors nationwide. At this sacred ground where Nichiren Shonin delivered his hundred-day sermon series in 1260, experience profound spirituality and powerful New Year blessings.
2-10-1 Nakayama, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, 272-0813
TEL: 047-334-3433
WEB: https://temple.nichiren.or.jp/1041026-hokekyoji/
Deep Digging! Temple Guide
We provide you with in-depth information on temples, including information on seasonal events.
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Ikegami Honmonji Temple
600 People Weaving a Chain of 108 Prayers
Midnight on New Year's Eve. The sound of the bell, dispelling 108 earthly desires, echoes through Tokyo's night sky. Six hundred visitors take turns in groups of six to ring the bell. A moment of silence to reflect on the past year and offer prayers for the new one. Each strike carries individual wishes, layering one upon another. At this prayer site continuing for over 700 years, people's aspirations connect across time.
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Tanjoh-ji Temple
The Horizon Turns Golden — A Moment of Life's Beginning
Around 6:45 AM, the year's first light rises from the Pacific horizon. Witnessing the first sunrise at Komonato, the sacred birthplace of Nichiren Shonin, holds special significance. As sky and sea turn golden, many visitors join their hands in prayer. Since the temple area is in mountain shadow, walking to the coastline is recommended. A solemn moment evoking the beginning of life.
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Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple
The Quiet Power of Shuhōshi Monks Who Completed 100 Days of Asceticism
In the crisp winter morning air stands the five-story pagoda. The prayers of shuhōshi monks who completed 100 days of daiaragyō quietly fill the grounds. Sacred atmosphere at this site where Nichiren Shonin delivered his hundred-day sermon series. A place where words cannot express the power that dwells. The presence of monks who endured extreme ascetic training brings special meaning to the New Year's beginning.
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Ikegami Honmonji Temple
A 15-Day New Year Festival Welcoming 450,000 Visitors
Sat, Jan 20 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMHeld January 1–15. Special prayers begin at the main hall at midnight on New Year's Day. Visitors can freely participate in prayers for family safety, health, and fortune. Food stalls line the grounds, and visitors seek omikuji fortunes and amulets. Limited-edition lucky dove amulets (¥1,000–¥3,000) come in three varieties and are popular as New Year charms.
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Tanjoh-ji Temple
A Special New Year's Experience Viewing from the Ocean
Sat, Jan 20 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMHeld January 1–7. Morning services at the main hall begin at 5:50 AM daily, followed by dharma talks around 6:20 AM. On New Year's Day, a "First Sunrise Cruise" departs from nearby Tai-no-Ura (reservation required, meet at 6:20, adults ¥1,500, call 04-7095-2318). An unforgettable experience viewing the year's first sunrise from the ocean. Open worship, welcoming a quiet New Year.
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Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple
Special Prayers from Shuhōshi Who Completed One of the World's Three Great Ascetic Practices
Sat, Jan 20 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMJanuary 1–3, prayers accepted continuously. Blessings offered by shuhōshi monks who completed 100 days of daiaragyō (November–February), one of the world's three great ascetic practices. Prayers from monks who endured waking at 2 AM, seven daily cold-water ablutions, and eating only twice daily are believed to possess special spiritual power. Available for various intentions including protection from misfortune, family safety, and business prosperity.
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Ikegami Honmonji Temple
May Each Strike Carry Your Wishes
At the beginning of the year, face yourself and embrace new resolve. This site has watched over people for over 700 years as a place of prayer. We hope each strike of the New Year's bell carries your individual wishes. Over 450,000 people visit during the first three days, making this Tokyo's representative New Year prayer destination.
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Tanjoh-ji Temple
Sunrise from the Pacific Is a Moment to Feel Life's Beginning
Welcoming the new year at this site where Nichiren Shonin was born holds great significance. The sunrise from the Pacific is a moment to feel life's beginning. Since the temple grounds are in mountain shadow, please proceed to the coastline to view the first sunrise. As it's dark underfoot, we recommend bringing a flashlight.
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Nakayama Hokekyoji Temple
Shuhōshi Prayers Possess Power Beyond Words
The 100-day asceticism continuing from November to February. Prayers from shuhōshi who completed cold-water ablutions and near-fasting training possess power beyond words. By receiving these prayers at the New Year, you can wish for a peaceful year ahead. At this site where Nichiren Shonin delivered his hundred-day sermon series in 1260, renew your resolve for the new year.
Upcoming Events
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Meditation Workship
Learn fundamental meditation techniques for beginners and experienced practitioners.
Thu, Mar 5 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMHongakuji - Nagoya, Aichi, Japan -
Meditation Workship
Learn fundamental meditation techniques for beginners and experienced practitioners.
Tue, Mar 24 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMHongakuji - Nagoya, Aichi, Japan -
Weekly Study Meeting
Join us for our weekly study of the Lotus Sutra and group discussion.
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