Kakogawa City in Hyogo Prefecture is well known for its convenient access to Osaka and Kobe, and has long developed as a commuter town. At the same time, the area is home to numerous ancient burial mounds and historic temples, and is recognized as a place with deep ties to Prince Shotoku.
One of the city's most prominent landmarks is Kakurinji Temple, said to have been established in 587 CE when Prince Shotoku was 16 years old as a training hall to spread Buddhism. The temple enshrines the Shakyamuni Triad and the Four Heavenly Kings, originally known as the "Shitenno-ji Shoryo-in," and is often called the "Horyuji of Harima." The temple grounds also feature a newer power spot called the "Furikiru-mon" (Shake-It-Off Gate), where visitors can symbolically shed negative energy and be reborn anew. The site is also home to the Treasure Hall, which displays nationally designated cultural properties from the Heian and Muromachi periods.
About the Taishi-eshiki
The Taishi-eshiki (known affectionately as "Otaishi-san") is Kakurinji Temple's most significant annual event. Spanning three days centered on the memorial rite for Prince Shotoku, the ceremony combines the Spring Equinox Service (first day), the Shotoku Taishi Hoon Hoyo memorial rite (middle day), the Dai-hannya Kyo Tendo Hoyo sutra-reading ceremony, and the Saito Gomaku fire ceremony (final day).
During the Haru-higan-e (Spring Equinox Service), prayers are offered in memory of ancestors. The Dai-hannya Tendo Hoyo involves reading all 600 volumes of the Great Prajnaparamita Sutra aloud in a distinctive traditional manner. The Saito Gomaku brings together ascetic practitioners from the surrounding area to pray for world peace and the fulfillment of people's wishes, concluding with a fire-walking experience open to all visitors.
Food stalls set up throughout the temple grounds create a lively atmosphere, and Buddhist books and calligraphy works from Kyoto Hoonsha are displayed and sold in the old Treasure Hall.
Fire-Walking Ceremony
Event Schedule
March 20 (Fri): 2:00 PM – Spring Equinox Service (Haru-higan-e)
March 21 (Sat): 2:00 PM – Shotoku Taishi Hoon Hoyo (Memorial Rite)
March 22 (Sun): 11:00 AM – Dai-hannya Kyo Tendo Hoyo / 2:00 PM – Saito Dai Gomaku (Fire Ceremony)
The first and middle day services begin in the main hall; the Spring Equinox Service then moves to the Jyogyodo, and the Shotoku memorial rite moves to the Taishido. The final day's Dai-hannya Kyo Tendo Hoyo is held in the main hall, and the Saito Dai Gomaku takes place in the square in front of the Gyojado.
Admission
Free entry to the temple grounds for all three days.
The Treasure Hall is open at regular admission (¥500). During this period, the secret Buddhist statue "Uegami Taishi" will be on public display.
Access
Address: 424 Kitaarige, Kakogawacho, Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture
Phone: 079-454-7053
By Public Transit:
- 8-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk from JR Kakogawa Station
- 15-minute walk from Sanyo Electric Railway "Onoe no Matsu" Station
By Car:
- 10 minutes from Kakogawa Bypass Kakogawa Ramp
- 30 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Miki-Ono Interchange
