Festival

National Treasure Zensui-ji Temple 1,000-Lantern Ceremony (Sento-e)

Japanese name:国宝 善水寺 千灯会

📅 Thu, Oct 8, 2026

📍 Konan, Shiga

About this event

Held every year on October 8, this event involves lighting 1,000 votive candles along the corridors of the Main Hall of the National Treasure Zensui-ji Temple to pray for world peace and the health of the donors. The Main Hall emerges in the shimmering bands of light, wrapping the surroundings in a mystical atmosphere. Visitors can spend a serene time amid the sounds of autumn insects and the light of the votive candles on an autumn evening. Illumination takes place from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the Buddhist memorial service starts at 6:00 PM, and the dedicated musical performance begins at 7:00 PM. In 2025, although cypress bark roof re-thatching construction is underway on the Main Hall, the event is scheduled to take place.

Official website (Japanese) ↗

Venue

Zensui-ji Temple

3518 Iwane, Konan, Shiga 520-3252

Open in Google Maps ↗