The folk culture of Taito City, carried on through the sound of the mokugyo and nenbutsu
Mokugyo Nenbutsu
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Area
- Tokyo Metropolis・Taito City(Within Tokyo: approx. 15 min–1 h by train (central areas))Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Mokugyo Nenbutsu is an intangible folk cultural property of Taito City in which the sound of the mokugyo accompanies nenbutsu chanting and sutra recitation. It has been passed down by the Shitaya Ryusen Mokugyo-ko and the Edo Mokugyo-bushi Preservation Society. The mokugyo’s shape and the way it is played also reflect its significance and the practices associated with it as a Buddhist instrument.
About Mokugyo Nenbutsu
Mokugyo Nenbutsu is one of the intangible folk cultural properties passed down in Taito City.
As a cultural property designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, it is classified in the field of customs and practices.
The Shitaya Ryusen Mokugyo-ko and the Edo Mokugyo-bushi Preservation Society are listed as the owners, showing that this is a folk cultural tradition passed down in the local community.
Festival highlights
It is characterized by chanting nenbutsu while striking a mokugyo.
A mokugyo is a hollow wooden Buddhist instrument used for chanting sutras and during nenbutsu services.
The fish shape is explained as a reminder to remain alert and devote oneself diligently to practice.
Source: 木魚 - 新纂浄土宗大辞典
The folk culture of Taito City, carried on through the sound of the mokugyo and nenbutsu
What to expect
At the heart of Mokugyo Nenbutsu is the practice of striking a mokugyo to accompany nenbutsu chanting and sutra recitation.
The mokugyo is a Buddhist instrument that provides a steady beat and is used in nenbutsu services in a manner similar to a kane gong.
Practices for striking it according to the opening or closing lines of a sutra recitation have been passed down.
Location and access
- Address
Taito City
Host municipality 東京都台東区
This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Tokyo Metropolis / Taito City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
上野恩賜公園
東京都の公園
写真：The original uploader was Sdalu at English Wikipedia . / CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo source ·
上野東照宮
東京都台東区の神社
国立科学博物館
東京都台東区にある国立博物館
国立西洋美術館
東京にある美術館
恩賜上野動物園
東京都台東区にある動物園
東京国立博物館
東京都台東区にある国立博物館
東京都美術館
東京都台東区にある美術館
浅草神社
東京都台東区の神社
Official information
On Taito City’s page about cultural properties designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Mokugyo Nenbutsu is introduced as an intangible folk cultural property.
The owners listed are the Shitaya Ryusen Mokugyo-ko and the Edo Mokugyo-bushi Preservation Society.
Mokugyo Nenbutsu at a Glance
Mokugyo Nenbutsu is an intangible folk cultural property passed down in Taito City.
It is characterized by chanting nenbutsu while striking a mokugyo, following practices suited to sutra recitation and nenbutsu services.
The Shitaya Ryusen Mokugyo-ko and the Edo Mokugyo-bushi Preservation Society are listed as its custodians.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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