Masuyama-ji Temple Star Festival 2027

About this event

The Masuyamaji Hoshi Matsuri (Star Festival) is a Shingon Esoteric Buddhist ritual where a goma (consecrated fire) is burned to pray for a year of happiness and ward off misfortunes. Visitors can pray for safety throughout the new year. This festival takes place every year on the third Saturday and Sunday of January, during which the goma burning ritual is performed. The venue is Masuyama-ji Temple, located at 760 Horikiri, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Access is about 20 minutes by car from Shuzenji Station on the Izu Hakone Railway. The exact hours should be confirmed on the official website, but since it is held every year in January, it can be called a traditional event well-suited for the start of the new year. Masuyama-ji sits atop Mount Masu at an elevation of 300 meters; it is a branch temple of Mount Koya (Koyasan) and is said to have been founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi). The principal image, Kanzeon Bosatsu, is said to have been carved by Kukai himself. Within the grounds, there is a giant Japanese maple around 900 years old designated as a prefectural natural monument, as well as a municipal-designated giant ginkgo tree; the autumn foliage harmonizes with the stone Buddhas to create a splendid seasonal scene. In addition, deep to the right of the main hall enshrines Ikamashi Shrine, an Engishikinaisha shrine.

Venue

Koyasan Shingon Sect Yogasan Masuyama-ji Temple

760 Horikiri, Izu, Shizuoka 410-2418