Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha) in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, holds its Hoonko (報恩講) service from Wednesday, November 11 to Monday, November 16, 2026.
Hoonko special website: https://tsukijihongwanji.info/houonkou2026/
What Is the Hoonko Service?
The Hoonko service is the most important service in Jodo Shinshu. Held in connection with the anniversary of the death of Shinran Shonin, the founder of the school, it honors his virtues and offers thanks for having encountered the teachings of Amida Buddha.
At Tsukiji Hongwanji, the service takes place every year over six days, from November 11 to 16. Monks from Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha temples across Tokyo and eight prefectures in the Kanto region work together to conduct the traditional service. It is characterized by the monks' sutra chanting (shomyo) and the sound of gagaku, traditional court music, echoing through the main hall, which is designated an Important Cultural Property, and by a solemn hall setting that differs from the usual.
The Hoonko service is open to everyone.*1 Visitors can feel history and tradition while stepping away from the bustle of daily life for a quiet moment to face themselves.
*1 Attendance is limited for some events. Please check the official website for details.
Main Events
During the Hoonko period, a variety of events are held, centered on services in the main hall. They include gagaku performances, sermons by monks, and events related to food culture.
Services with Shomyo and Gagaku
Every day during the period, monks perform sutra chanting (shomyo) and give sermons. At the daytime service starting at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 13, the "宗祖讃仰作法音楽法要" combines the Western sound of the pipe organ with gagaku, Japan's traditional music. Visitors can experience a traditional Jodo Shinshu service accompanied by gagaku, which has a history of about 1,400 years, and the pipe organ.
Music in the Main Hall
On Thursday, November 12, a chorus performance by 楽友会 takes place, and on Friday, November 13, a pipe organ performance is held. In the main hall of Tsukiji Hongwanji, visitors can enjoy a musical sound unique to the temple, different from gagaku.
Experiences and Events That Bring Buddhism Closer
From November 12 to 15, the "お坊さんなんでも僧談" is held daily in a tent on the temple grounds, where visitors can consult monks directly about questions on Buddhism and Buddhist rites. During the period, "お斎膳," a meal of traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and a matcha tea seating are also offered, and visitors can enjoy them along with their visit to the service. Several events let visitors experience Buddhism and Buddhist rites up close.*2
Worshippers also receive a commemorative visit card, available only during Hoonko, as a souvenir of their visit.
*2 Reservations are required for お斎膳 and お斎弁当 (bento boxes). Some events, including the matcha tea seating, require a donation (懇志).
Live Streaming on YouTube
The Hoonko service at Tsukiji Hongwanji is again scheduled to be streamed live on YouTube this year. People who find it difficult to come to the temple can share the same time with loved ones who live far away.
Tsukiji Hongwanji official channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TsukijiHongwanjiOfficial
Overall Schedule of the Hoonko Service
Event Details
- Name: 2026 (Reiwa 8) Tsukiji Hongwanji Hoonko Service
- Dates: Wednesday, November 11 to Monday, November 16, 2026
- Venue: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple (3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
- Main venues: Main hall, 第一伝道会館, 第二伝道会館, and others
- Main events: Hoonko service, sermons, 御絵伝絵解き布教, gagaku, chorus by 楽友会, pipe organ performance, "お坊さんなんでも僧談," お斎膳, matcha tea seating, and more
- How to attend: Open to everyone. Some events require a reservation or a donation.
- Official website: https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/
