Godairikison Nio-e Festival

About this event

This is the largest annual event at Daigo-ji Temple, affectionately known as 'Godairiki-san.' It is an event to receive the power of the Five Great Wisdom Kings such as Fudo Myo-o and pray for national peace and the happiness of the people through their manifestation, Godairiki Bosatsu, with a history tracing back to 907 AD during the reign of Emperor Daigo. The 'Miei' talisman to ward off disasters and theft, distributed only on this day, is posted at the entrances of townhouses, long-established shops, and individual homes in Kyoto, bustling with many worshippers from early morning until evening. At this Nio-e, which draws over a hundred thousand worshippers from all over the country, Nio-e memorial services are held throughout the day in the Main Hall (Kondo) to pray for national safety and for all people to experience the immediate extinction of seven calamities and immediate arising of seven fortunes, along with the distribution of Miei. In addition, the 'Mochiage Chikara Honou' is held, where men and women proud of their strength lift giant kagami mochi rice cakes and compete for time, with men holding 150 kg and women holding 90 kg of kagami mochi to pray for good health and physical strength. Prior to the Nio-e, from the 15th to the 21st for one week, all priests of the mountain seclude themselves in the hall to perform prayers and invocations across 21 sessions. General public members can also attend these preliminary services and participate in prayers.

Venue

Daigo-ji Temple

22 Daigo Higashi-ojicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 601-1325