About this event
A grand Buddhist memorial service for Yakushi Nyorai, the principal image of Suo Kokubunji Temple, which has been praying for blessing and happiness since the Nara period. As a Buddha of worldly benefits, Yakushi Nyorai has been worshiped since ancient times to grant wishes such as recovery from illness, warding off disasters and bringing good fortune, preventing dementia, finding a good match, and ensuring family safety. In this service, "Hiwatari" (fire walking) is performed where people walk barefoot across the remaining embers of the Saitogoma fire ritual, and it is said that physical ailments are burned away by the flames of Yakushi, bringing good health. The general public can also participate in this fire walking. In the 2026 Yakushi Grand Memorial Service, there will be no stalls or entertainment events on the temple grounds. Highlights include the powerful Goma fire ritual handling blazing flames and the subsequent fire-walking experience. By praying before the raging fire and crossing the remaining embers, you can wish for purification of mind and body and good health. The festival atmosphere and the radiance of the flames will surely move and excite participants.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Suo Kokubun-ji Temple
2-67 Kokubunjicho, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0021
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