saijoji
SAIJOJI is a temple of Soto Zen Buddhism built in 1394 by Ryoan-emyo-zenjiEVENT
Bells on New Year's Eve : December 31
On December 31, worshippers who try to greet New Year at Daiyu-zan gather in front of the bell tower, and temple bells of New Year’s Eve are hit by the first utterance of the head priest at 0:00am New Year’s Day. Energy overflows in a solemn air and a dawn of a new year is coming.
New year big prayer : January 1
Prayer of greeting the New Year is carried out.
About 50,000 worshipers come on the first three days of the new year.
Dondo-Yaki : Januray 14
New Year’s ornaments and dumplings made by ascetic monks are burned up by fire. It is said that eating dumplings baked by this fire bring perfect state of health for one year.
'Setsubun' Bean-Scattering Ceremony Festival : February 3
Lucky-beans are scattered by guests and Setsubun ritual people with the zodiac sign by whom preliminary applications were done. 12,000 bags of beans are scattered and each bag contain a lottery ticket and a big lottery event is performed.
Grand Festivals of Douryousan :
Performed in January, May and September. Many people visit on 27th(*1) and 28th(*2) of these months.
*1: 27th is a month anniversary of Ryoan-emyo-zenji’s death
*2: 28th is a day when Douryo changed into TENGU
Zen-In-Sarei : May
“Zen-In-Sarei” that you can taste Japanese Tea served in traditional manners is performed in May.
Seminor of carving statue of Buddha : September
Seminor of carving statue of Buddha is held in September.
Zen Seminar for Children : August 6~7
Seminor of 1 night and 2 days stay at SAIJOJI
Children who are from 3rd grader to 6th grader and their parents can be participated. A life in the temple can be experianced.
Summer Zen Seminar : August 19~21
Seminor of 2 nights and 3 days stay at SAIJOJI
You can experience study life of Zen meditation.
Pure Extinguishing Festival : November 27
Fire extinguishing event in which a night sky in a late fall is dyed and wishes for ending one year and as well as greeting comming new year.
Seminar of Carving Statue of Buddha
Held on 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month from 10:00am.
Sunday Zen Seminar
Held on 2nd and 4th Sundays every month from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Twice of Zen meditation and sermon are performed.
