Hoju-ji Migawari Fudo Festival Fire Ritual 2026

Dates & time: November 15, 2026 (Sun) From 11:00 (fire ritual from 14:00)
cost: Goma prayer stick ¥300, large stick ¥1,200, prayer tablets from ¥3,500, special pilgrimage certificate (goshuin) ¥800
Venue & access: Hoju-ji Temple 3 minutes on foot from the Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae city bus stop, or 7 minutes from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line

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Why You Should Visit

Hoju-ji, a temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, stands on the site of Hojuji-dono, the palace Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa used as his residence. During the grand festival for its principal image, the Migawari Fudo (the "substitute" Fudo Myoo), the temple holds a saito goma outdoor fire ritual. Led by a tengu, red, blue and black demons dance through the grounds in time with the beat, and then several thousand wooden prayer sticks offered by worshippers are burned. The temple is close to Sanjusangen-do, making this a good stop for anyone who wants to see demons and sacred fire up close at a Kyoto temple.

Programs

Timetable & Map

NOTE

A day-only special pilgrimage certificate (goshuin, ¥800 with one prayer stick) is available from 9:00. Pre-written ones are given out while supplies last; hand-written ones of the principal image are available until 16:00 (bring your goshuin book).

Children for the chigo procession are recruited in advance (¥10,000 including costume and make-up). The route is a round trip of about 200 m from the temple grounds to the mausoleum of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, so small children can take part. Apply through the temple office.

*Inquiries: Hoju-ji Temple, 075-561-4137

History Heritage Culture Art Sightseeing Half Day

出典: 法住寺公式サイト

Kobe · Gluten-free

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FAQ

What time should I arrive?

The udon and zenzai offering starts at 11:00, hymn and flute/koto offerings at 12:00, the yamabushi dialogue, demon dance and chigo procession at 13:30, and the fire ritual at 14:00.

Can I go by car?

There is a free car park for regular cars, but spaces are limited. City bus or Keihan's Shichijo Station is the more reliable option.

Is the temple wheelchair accessible?

Partly, with advance notice required. There is no wheelchair-accessible toilet.