Nijūgo Bosatsu Neri Kuyo

Festival highlights

A highlight is the procession of people wearing wooden masks of Buddhas and bodhisattvas as they cross a temporary bridge.

In the Raigo procession, musicians playing instruments and the head priest and others chanting nenbutsu are followed by the Buddhas and bodhisattvas. In the Oso procession, a furikago scattering flower petals and other items, musicians, Buddhas and bodhisattvas, a palanquin carrying a wooden statue of Kaseki Shōnin, and children process across the bridge.

In Genso, the participants return from Sanbutsudō to the main hall, completing the three processions.

Twenty-five masked figures weave a story of the Pure Land through three processions

What to expect

The main hall represents this shore, while the Jōbon-dō represents the other shore; the procession makes three circuits across the bridge between them.

First comes Raigo, as the Buddhas and bodhisattvas cross from the Jōbon-dō to the main hall; next is Oso, as they return from the main hall to the Jōbon-dō with a wooden statue of Kaseki Shōnin; finally, Genso brings them back from the Jōbon-dō to the main hall.

The Buddhas and bodhisattvas carry banners, instruments, and other items. Because their masks limit their vision, each has an attendant.

Location and access

Venue

Jōshin-ji (Kuhonbutsu Jōshin-ji)

Event venue 東京都世田谷区 浄真寺

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

Dates and season

Season

Every 3 years on August 16

Frequency

Once every 3 years

Accommodation and hotels PR

Nearby attractions

Museums and art museumsSetagaya City

賀川豊彦記念松沢資料館

東京都世田谷区の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Nijūgo Bosatsu Neri Kuyo

The Nijūgo Bosatsu Neri Kuyo is a folk performing art passed down at Jōshin-ji. In 2015, it was listed as an intangible folk cultural property for which measures such as documentation should be undertaken.

At Jōshin-ji, it is said to have been held once every three years on August 16. The most recent performance covered in detail by the records was in Heisei 26.

The three processions of Raigo, Oso, and Genso, along with a format distinct from Taima-dera’s Raigo-e, are considered to reflect local characteristics and changes in the performing art.

Official information

The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Database of Nationally Designated Cultural Properties” lists the name, frequency of public performances, preservation association, and the event’s structure and distinctive features.

Nijūgo Bosatsu Neri Kuyo at a Glance

The Nijūgo Bosatsu Neri Kuyo is a folk performing art passed down at Jōshin-ji, also known as “Omen Kaburi.”

On a bridge built between the main hall and the Jōbon-dō, masked Buddhas and bodhisattvas perform the three processions of Raigo, Oso, and Genso.

Recorded as a tradition held every three years on August 16, it is included in cultural property records as an example of the local character of Okusawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo.