OCTOBER | OESHIKI HONMONJI FESTIVAL

Attracting over 300,000 people every year, the Ikegami Honmonji Temple holds its annual Oeshiki festival - a festival dedicated to the death of Nichiren. Nichiren is one of Japans most iconic Buddhist figures. This event is held throughout Japan, but the Honmonji event is considered to be the main event for Nichiren’s death because Nichiren passed away on Honmonji grounds. Aside from the traditional food stalls and carnival games, one of the main attractions is the lantern parade where over 3000 lanterns are carried from Ikegami Station to the temple. It makes for a beautiful, photogenic parade.

Entrance Fee: Free

Photo credit: Tokyo Cheapo

Location: 1-1 Ikegami, Ota City, Tokyo 146-0082, Honmonji Temple

Dates: Oct 10-13ish.

Website: http://honmonji.jp/foreign/en.html

How to get there: A 15 minute walk from Ikegami Station on the Ikegami Line.