Oeshiki Memorial Festival 2025 at Ikegami Honmonji Temple
October 11 (Sat) – 13 (Mon, National Holiday)
What is "Oeshiki"?
The word “Oeshiki” originates from “Eshiki”, which refers to a Buddhist memorial ritual. While the term is used across different Buddhist sects, in Nichiren Buddhism, it specifically refers to the annual memorial service held to honor the death of Nichiren Shonin, the founder of the sect.
The Oeshiki at Ikegami Honmonji Temple, where Nichiren Shonin passed away in 1282, is one of the most important and grand-scale events in the Nichiren Buddhist calendar. Every year from October 11 to 13, the temple and surrounding neighborhood come alive with spiritual rituals, vibrant lantern processions, and festive celebrations.
Dates:
October 11 (Sat) – 13 (Mon), 2025
▼ Location:
Ikegami Honmonji Temple and surrounding area
(1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo)
Mandō Procession:
Sunday, October 12, from around 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
The Mandō Neri Kuyō (Lantern Procession) is the centerpiece of the Oeshiki Festival. Over 100 ornate “mandō” lanterns, adorned with artificial cherry blossoms, are carried through the streets by thousands of participants in a solemn and breathtaking nighttime parade. The entire town of Ikegami is illuminated in a surreal and spiritual glow, accompanied by the sounds of traditional flutes and taiko drums.
During the festival period, numerous food and festival stalls are expected to be set up throughout the temple grounds and surrounding streets.
For more details, visit: https://honmonji.jp
