Why You Should Visit
Sokujoin, a subtemple of Sennyuji whose main hall enshrines Amida and the twenty-five bodhisattvas, holds this rite each October — on 18 October in 2026. The main hall stands for the Pure Land and the Jizo hall for this world, and a temporary raised bridge is built between them. Twenty-five figures in gold masks and brocade robes cross it slowly, joined by court musicians, parishioners and child attendants, re-enacting the descent of the buddhas to lead the faithful to paradise. It was listed as a Kyoto City intangible folk cultural property in 2025. Watching from the grounds requires a reserved paid seat booked in advance.
Essentials
- location
- Sokujoin, a subtemple of Sennyuji
- period
- October 18, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- 13:00〜
- cost
- Reserved seat in the grounds 3,000 yen, advance booking required. General admission is capped at 200 people
- Links
- Kobe · Gluten-free
- access
- Take city bus 208 from Kyoto Station to the Sennyuji-michi stop, then about 5 min on foot (bus 207 from Shijo-Kawaramachi or Shijo-Karasuma)
- TICKETS / REGISTRATION
- Paid seats are by advance reservation only. Check how to apply and current availability on Sokujoin's official site or by phone (075-561-3443).
- NOTE
How the rite unfolds
- A temporary raised bridge links the main hall (the Pure Land) with the Jizo hall (this world)
- Led by the great Jizo bodhisattva, the twenty-five cross to this world and return to the main hall
The procession
- The bodhisattvas wear gold masks and brocade robes
- Court musicians, parishioners and child attendants join the procession
Cultural property
- Listed as a Kyoto City intangible folk cultural property in 2025
*Viewing from the grounds is by reserved paid seat only, and general places are limited.
Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)There are 1 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Sokujoin, a subtemple of Sennyuji. The map shows each with its walking time.
Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.
FAQ
Can I watch without a reservation?
Can children attend?
Does it go ahead in the rain?
Calendar
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Events
Events nearby & around the same time
Other events happening around the same time or in a similar area.
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