Togenuki Jizo Bon Festival

Event Overview

Located in the Sugamo area of Toshima, Tokyo, Kogenji Temple (famously known as Togenuki Jizo) hosts the annual Togenuki Jizo Bon Festival. This tradition is rooted in a profound legend from the Edo period involving a woman who experienced a miraculous healing after a divine figure swallowed a needle. This symbolizes the temple's compassionate mission to remove the 'thorns' of physical pain and mental distress from the hearts of visitors.

The festival is a special event held three times a year on the 24th of January, May, and September. It offers a serene opportunity to step away from daily life and participate in solemn rituals designed to purify the spirit.

Highlights and Rituals

There are two major highlights that will captivate all visitors:

• *Daihannya-kyo Tendoku-e (Great Prajna Sutra Chanting)**: A spectacular ritual where many monks hold sutra books high in the air and flip through them vigorously. It is believed that being touched by the wind generated by the rapid turning of the pages helps to dispel bad luck and misfortune for the year.
• *Araiyan Kannon (Washing Kannon)**: A traditional practice of devotion to the Kannon deity. Visitors perform a ritual of pouring water and wiping specific areas of the body where they feel physical discomfort to pray for healing and relief.

Additionally, on festival days, the nearby Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street—often called 'Grandma's Harajuku'—becomes incredibly lively, filled with people enjoying local specialties like Shio Daifuku (salted mochi) and lucky charms.

Schedule

The festival is held three times a year on specific dates:

• *January 24** (Winter season)
• *May 24** (Spring season)
• *September 24** (Autumn season)

Venue and Access

Kogenji Temple is easily accessible from major stations in central Tokyo:

• *JR Yamanote Line / Toei Mita Line 'Sugamo Station'**: Approximately a 5-minute walk
• *Toden Arakawa Line 'Koshinzuka Station'**: Approximately a 10-minute walk

The surrounding shopping streets are pedestrian-friendly. While the area becomes very crowded on festival days, the proximity to the station ensures smooth movement.

Tips for Visitors

This is not just a tourist event, but a deeply rooted religious ceremony. During the Great Prajna Sutra Chanting, you may feel the wind from the flipping pages; being touched by this wind is considered a way to cleanse bad luck. It is best to observe the traditional rituals with respect and quiet contemplation.

Etiquette and Preparation

As ceremonies take place within the temple grounds, we recommend dressing modestly and respectfully. For specific rules regarding offerings or donations, please consult the official website.

• *Clothing**: Since you will be entering temple grounds, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and legs is appropriate.
• *Reservations**: No advance reservation is required to attend.
• *Payment**: Cash is highly recommended for street food stalls and local shops in the area.