Hanazono no Hotoke no Mai

Festival highlights

A highlight is the masked theater, which unfolds around a dialogue between Manjushri and the Dragon King.

A dance of instruction is performed to guide the Dragon Palace princess toward Buddhahood, bringing scenes from the story to life on stage.

Songs, flutes, bells, drums, and mirror bowls accompany the performance, offering a chance to enjoy a devotional performing art that brings masked theater and music together.

A tale of attaining Buddhahood in the Dragon Palace, told through masks, dance, and music

What to expect

In the performance, Manjushri travels to the Dragon Palace as Shakyamuni’s envoy and engages in a dialogue with the Dragon King.

The story then continues as a dance of instruction guides the Dragon King and welcomes a young girl to the Pure Land of Buddha.

The masked performance is accompanied by songs, flutes, bells, drums, and mirror bowls, and is offered on the temple grounds.

Location and access

Venue and address

Held in the plaza in front of Henjoji Temple’s main hall.

Event venue 和歌山県 遍照寺の本堂前の広場

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

Open in Google Maps

Dates and season

In the past, it was customary to perform it in October of leap years occurring every 61 years, but today it is performed irregularly in August.

Origins and History of Hanazono no Hotoke no Mai

Since ancient times, Hanazono no Hotoke no Mai has traditionally been performed in the leap 10th month once every 61 years.

It was once offered in Henjoji Temple’s priests’ quarters, but is now performed in the plaza in front of the main hall.

In 1976, it was selected for inclusion in the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ database as an intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as record creation should be undertaken.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties provides the name, category, description, and preserving organization for Hanazono no Hotoke no Mai.

The records on intangible folk cultural properties also introduce the performance’s content and changes in its venue.

See the listing page for more information.

Hanazono no Hotoke no Mai at a Glance

Hanazono no Hotoke no Mai is a masked theatrical performance based on the attainment of Buddhahood by women, expressing the story of Manjushri and the Dragon King through dance and music.

Songs, flutes, bells, drums, and mirror bowls accompany the performance, which is now offered in the plaza in front of Henjoji Temple’s main hall.