[Held Monday, April 20] Hōtō-ji Temple Flower Festival for Four Days ～ A festival for Kannon passed down for approximately 1,200 years

Traditional events passed down through the ages can bring a sense of calm to people’s hearts.

At Hotoji Temple in Tsurajima-cho, there is a festival held on the fourth day of the third month of the old lunar calendar, the spring grand festival commonly known as “Hana no Yokka” (“Flower Day”). This festival honoring Kannon has been passed down for approximately 1,200 years, since the Heian period.

In 2026, “Hana no Yokka” will be held on Monday, April 20.

What is Hotoji Temple’s Hana no Yokka?

Hotoji Temple’s Hana no Yokka is a traditional festival honoring Kannon, held every year on the fourth day of the third month of the old lunar calendar.
The following Buddhist services are held in the main hall.

• 10:00 a.m.: Service for the Eleven-Headed Kannon
• 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.: Goma fire rituals

A tea gathering will also be held at the Shosekite Garden in the guest hall. Take a relaxing break with a cup of matcha amid the fresh greenery and soothe your heart.

Goma prayer ritual
A ceremony held at temples of the Shingon and Tendai schools of Buddhism, in which a sacred fire is lit before the principal deity, such as Fudo Myoo, and wishes (written on goma sticks) are burned away to purify worldly desires and pray for wishes to be fulfilled and protection from misfortune.

Interview with the organizer

We spoke with Kazuko Sato, the event organizer, about “Hana no Yokka.”

Please tell us about this year’s highlights and points of interest.

Sato (surname only)

In addition to the popular annual plant market and food stalls, this year there will be a stall by a local stone shop serving “stone-ground coffee,” made from coffee beans roasted on stone and ground with a stone mill, as well as a “welfare nail care” stall by Fukushi Nail Kurashiki.

We’ll bring you a moment to brighten your mood, from your fingertips to your heart, with delicious coffee and hand-painted nail art and color.

Do you have a message for our readers?

Organizer

This festival offers a chance to spend some unhurried time in the gentle air of spring. You can enjoy it even if you only have a little time, so please feel free to stop by.

Tickets for the tea gathering will also be available on the day for 500 yen. If you’re lucky, you may be served tea prepared by the head priest, Yugen.

From the Writer

The cherry blossoms have already fallen this year, but the mild spring weather is perfect for calming the heart.

We hope you’ll come and visit.

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