Ikegami Honmonji

Every year from October 11th to 13th, the Oeshiki ceremony is held at Ikegami Honmonji Temple. In memory of Nichiren Shonin's virtues, 300,000 visitors from all over Japan come to visit. The temple is bustling with activity, with special trains running during this time. Many food and souvenir stalls are set up on the temple grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine and souvenirs. If you want to experience a festive and lively atmosphere, it is recommended to visit during the Oeshiki ceremony.

Every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of April, the Spring Festival is held centered around Ikegami Honmonji Temple. Many tourists visit, as the oldest five-story pagoda in the Kanto region is sometimes opened for special viewing. The beautiful cherry blossoms blooming within the temple grounds offer a graceful scenery that doesn't feel like it's in the heart of the city. On the day of the festival, there are also events such as the distribution of sweet tea and a flower festival parade, allowing visitors to feel the arrival of spring in the lush temple grounds.

After visiting Ikegami Honmonji Temple, why not take a stroll around the surrounding area? For example, on the course from Keikyu Tachiaigawa Station to Ikegami Honmonji Temple, you can experience history and culture just like at Ikegami Honganji Temple, such as at the Literary Village and the sites related to Lord Kato Kiyomasa. Additionally, during spring, there are cherry blossom viewing spots nearby such as Sakurazaka and Honmonji Park that you'll want to see in conjunction with the cherry blossoms at Ikegami Honmonji Temple, so be sure to stop by.

Ikegami Honmonji Temple is a temple built on the site where Nichiren, a Buddhist monk, spent his last 20 days and passed away. It is said that the temple where Nichiren is enshrined has the blessings of fulfilling wishes, warding off misfortune, and curing eye diseases. In addition to the main hall, there are also valuable buildings such as the five-story pagoda designated as a national important cultural property and the sutra hall designated as a cultural heritage of Ota Ward. When visiting, be sure to stop by and see them as well.

At Ikegami Honmonji Temple, the hand-written goshuin (temple seal) that is awarded as proof of visitation through karmic connection is popular. Because it takes time to write the goshuin by hand, it is recommended to visit the temple grounds first. In addition, at the shrine office, you can purchase various omamori (charms) with different benefits. From charms for warding off evil and bringing good luck to small and easy-to-carry charms, there are a variety of types available, making it a good idea to purchase one as a souvenir of your visit.