About this event
Dating back to 1891 (the 24th year of the Meiji period), this is a traditional Daruma doll fair held at Fukurai-ji Temple (Kasai Kannon). Held annually on the second Sunday of January, Daruma dolls of various sizes are sold. The fair is bustling with many worshippers praying for bountiful harvests, family safety, warding off misfortune, and the fulfillment of great wishes. At the venue, the Kasai Kannon enshrined in the main hall of Fukurai-ji is also unveiled to the public, drawing many visitors seeking its blessings. At the Daruma fair, it is said that borrowing 'taneshisen' (lucky seed money) passed down at Fukurai-ji and spending it when shopping brings good fortune. There is a custom of returning double the amount at the following year's Daruma fair, believed to bring fortune through Kannon's blessings. Furthermore, a well-known highlight involves soliciting donations (7,000 yen) from worshippers who are not regular parishioners of Fukurai-ji, in return for which a special 'Gold Daruma' is presented. Parking is provided around the venue, and free shuttle buses also run from Libros Kasai.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Fukurai-ji Temple (Kasai Kannon)
252 Kasai-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3107
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