Yokosuka Travel Guide

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EVENT 2024.07.05

Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024

From July 6 to August 24, six temples in Yokosuka City, Miura City, and Hayama Town will illuminate their precincts with hundreds of handcrafted bamboo lanterns for the “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024”. This enchanting event, coinciding with Tanabata and the Obon season, offers visitors a unique blend of traditional festivities, including wish-making spaces, ancestral letter writing, Bon dances, and special temple stamp collections.

About the event: “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024”

From July 6 to August 24, six temples in Yokosuka City, Miura City, and Hayama Town will each host a one-to-two-day event as part of the “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024,” where they will display approximately 300 to 500 bamboo lanterns in their precincts, illuminated at night. The young monks, temple parishioners, and residents will handcraft the bamboo lanterns from cutting the bamboo to the final product.

Since the event coincides with Tanabata and the Obon season, the temples will feature Tanabata decorations and create spaces for visitors to make wishes. Other activities include writing letters to ancestors, Bon dances, and other creative initiatives. Additionally, visitors can collect special Obon temple stamps (Goshuin).

Please visit the official website for details.

Get to know the history: What are “Bon” and “Taketoro”?

Obon=Bon is a traditional Japanese event where the spirits of deceased ancestors are believed to return to the world of the living. This period is dedicated to honoring and remembering these ancestors through various rituals and ceremonies.

Obon Period

The Obon period varies by region, but generally falls on the following dates:

Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanazawa, Shizuoka, etc.: July 13th to July 16th
Okinawa and some other areas: July 13th to July 15th (lunar calendar)
Most other regions: August 13th to August 16th

Obon Customs

1. Mukaebi and Okuribi (Welcome and Farewell Fires)

At the beginning of Obon, fires are lit to guide the spirits home. At the end of Obon, fires are lit again to send the spirits back to the afterlife.


2. Altar Decorations and Offerings

Families decorate the household Buddhist altar with flowers and incense and offer food and drinks to the spirits.


3. Obon Decorations

Special decorations are often set up such as “Shoryo-uma (Horse)” and “Shoryo-ushi (Cow)” in the home to honor the ancestors.


4. Family Gatherings

Relatives gather to share meals and conduct memorial services.


5. Grave Visits

Families visit their ancestors’ graves, clean the tombstones, and offer prayers.


6. Bon Odori (Bon Dance)

In many regions, people participate in traditional dances called Bon Odori, which are held to celebrate the spirits’ return.


Significance of Obon

During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to spend time with their living relatives. This is a time to reconnect with deceased loved ones, express gratitude, and remember the bonds shared with them.


Related Customs

In addition to the main rituals, Obon includes regional customs and practices such as special ceremonies, local festivals, and unique traditions. The period often coincides with a holiday for businesses and schools, making it easier for families to gather and participate in the rituals.

Obon is a vital period for reinforcing family ties and honoring the memory of ancestors.
Its significance and customs can vary widely between regions and families, reflecting the rich diversity of Japanese culture.

Basic Information

Event Dates (Total)

July 6th (Saturday), 2024 to August 24th (Saturday), 2024

Event Locations

  1. Jorakuji Temple (浄楽寺)
  2. Fukusenji Temple (福泉寺)
  3. Fudanji Temple (不断寺)
  4. Tozenji Temple (東漸寺)
  5. Chounji Temple (長運寺)
  6. Manshoji Temple (満昌寺)

Official Website

https://bushidobunka.com/2023/06/05/r5-bontaketourou/

Imagine Bon Odori Club Presents: Live Band Bon Odori at “Jorakuji Temple” in Ogusu!

Jorakuji temple is located in Ashina and dates back to the Kamakura period. You’ll be greeted by many bamboo lanterns along the approach when you enter the precinct through the Tanabata Arch. With support from the local community, numerous stalls and food trucks will be open for business.

On the 14th, there will be a traditional Japanese incense fireworks display, and on the 15th, a Bon dance will take place in the precincts and the main hall, with a live performance by the Imagine Bon Odori Club. In addition to the bamboo lanterns, there are other attractions such as “Letter Visiting,” where you can send letters to ancestors, and a kimono market where you can purchase and wear traditional Japanese garments.

We invite you to join us for the three-day Japanese Obon festival, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate with your neighbors.

Dates

August 14th (Wednesday) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
August 15th (Thursday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Events

August 14th

6:00 PM – Free Dagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
7:00 PM – Storytelling about Obon
8:00 PM – Japanese incense fireworks display (participation fee 100 yen), Vintage kimono market

August 15th

5:00 PM – Urabon-e (Obon service)
7:00 PM – Bon Odori, Vintage kimono market

Activities such as “Letter to Ancestors,” “Tanabata decorations” on bamboo arches, and “Bon Odori Goshuin” will be available throughout both days. Approximately 20 stalls will be prepared on each day.

Access

2-30-5 Ashina, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Parking

18 spaces available

Contact

046-856-8622

Social Links

Official Website https://en.jorakuji-jodoshu.com/
X (Twitter) https://x.com/ashina_jorakuji
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jorakuji/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jorakuji.jodoshu/

Bamboo Lanterns from Sunset! Hasse Area “Fukusenji Temple”

Fukusenji Temple was established approximately 450 years ago by a devout son of Kamakura’s prominent temple, Komyoji, to honor his father’s memory. Situated on a hilltop with views across Sagami Bay to Mount Fuji, the temple offers a serene retreat, especially during the tranquil sunset hours.

On both days of the event, kitchen cars line up, and on the 27th, children from Terakoya will be the center of the event, and the Kodomo Ennichi will be held. Additionally, there will be a live piano performance and JAZZ session at the main hall on the 28th to enjoy the harmonious interplay of sound and light!

Dates

July 27th (Saturday) – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
July 28th (Sunday) – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Events

July 27th

6:00 PM – Free Dagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
Kodomo Ennichi hosted by the temple school, food stalls, and calligraphy sessions.

July 28th

Harmony of Sound and Light” Performance Schedule

6:00 PM – Piano performance in the main hall
7:00 PM – Jazz session in the main hall
Food stalls, calligraphy sessions, and a dedication ceremony (8:00 PM)in the main hall.

Access

1020 Mito, Hassemachi, Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Parking

15 spaces (additional parking arrangements available)

Contact

046-888-1959

Social Links

Official Website https://www.fukusenji76.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fukusenji76
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fukusenji76/

Nagai Area: “Fudanji Temple”

Fudanji Temple is said to have been established by Hōjō Tsunetoki, the 4th Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. At the entrance of the main hall, you will find hanging rice bags, which symbolize the necessary tools for those who have returned from the afterlife, following their passing the previous year.

Fudanji Temple is believed to have been founded by Hōjō Tsunetoki, the 4th Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. At the entrance of the main hall, hanging rice bags can be found. These bags symbolize the essential tools for individuals who have returned from the afterlife after passing away the previous year.

The path from the main gate to the main hall is illuminated by bamboo lanterns, welcoming visitors to the temple. Inside the main hall, visitors can participate in a stamp rally to collect goshuin stamps and offer letters to their ancestors.
Please feel free to visit and experience the tranquility of Fudanji Temple.

Dates

July 6th (Saturday) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
July 7th (Sunday) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Events

July 6th

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Temple Yoga

July 7th

7:00 PM to 7:30 PM – Experience playing the Mokugyo
7:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024 Prayer Service

Access

1-1 Nagai 5chome, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Parking

3 spaces available

Contact

046-856-2352

Social Links

Official Website https://www.fudanji.org/
X (Twitter) https://x.com/fudanji511
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fudanji.jodo/

Serene Ambiance: Bamboo Lanterns at “Tozenji Temple” in Takeyama

Tozenji Temple, founded by Miura Yoshiaki’s fifth son, Yoshihide, who entered the monkhood, is a Jodo sect temple. Facing the main hall is the principal deity, Amida Nyorai. On the right side, enshrined is the “Higane Jizo,” initiated by Minamoto no Yoritomo for fulfillment of prayers.

Ascend from the driveway through the main gate, where numerous bamboo lanterns illuminate the grounds. Inside the main hall, cylindrical bamboo lanterns inscribed with the posthumous Buddhist names of newcomers to the Bon festival cast the event in a unique lighting scene. Enclosed areas within the grounds afford serenity to feel the nighttime temple ambiance.

Dates

August 2nd (Friday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
August 3rd (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Events

August 2nd

6:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Illuminated Space

August 3rd

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Dance Performance by “Hana no Kai”

  • “Raigōbutsu” Lantern Offering
  • “Tanabata Tanzaku” Dedication
  • “Flower Lanterns”
  • “Anger Lanterns”
  • “Totem Pole”

Please enjoy each of the bamboo lanterns, and be careful in the dark.

Access

2-12-13 Take, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Parking

Approximately 20 spaces available

Contact

046-856-0221

Goma Fire Ritual at “Chounji Temple” in Hayama

Located in Nagae, Hayama, Chounji Temple is associated with Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa. During Obon, a special Fudo Goma ceremony for ancestral spirits will be conducted. The ceremony is open for participation, with matcha tea, shaved ice, and various stalls available.

Dates

August 13th (Tuesday) 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
August 14th (Wednesday) and August 15th (Thursday) – Bamboo lantern illumination only

Events

August 13th

  • 6:00 PM – Daigoma Prayer Ritual (Participation allowed inside the hall)
  • Various food stalls
  • Free shaved ice
  • Many other stalls

Access

615 Nagai, Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture

Parking

Approximately 15 spaces available

Contact

046-856-0221

Feel free to visit with your yukata and enjoy the serene atmosphere!

Social Lists

Official Website http://chounji.exp.jp/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hayamahudo/

Monk Band: “forblue” Performance at “Manshoji Temple” in Oyabe

Manshoji Temple, established in 1194 during the Kamakura period, was built by Minamoto no Yoritomo to honor Miura Yoshiyaki, the head of the Miura clan. Later, the Zen monk Tengang Eiko Butsujō Zenji became its restorer, transforming it into the Zen temple it is today. The principal image of worship is the “Crowned Shakyamuni Buddha” (a designated cultural property of the city), and in the Goryo Shrine behind the main hall, the “Seated Statue of Miura Yoshiyaki” (a national cultural property) is enshrined.

On the day of the Bamboo Lantern Festival, the stairs leading to the Goryo Shrine will be illuminated with bamboo lanterns in honor of the anniversary of Miura Yoshiyaki’s death on August 27th. Additionally, starting around 7 PM in the main hall, there will be a performance by the monk band “forblue,” which includes the temple’s deputy chief priest. They will play familiar songs for everyone’s enjoyment.

Dates

August 24th (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Events

August 24th

Around 7:00 PM – Performance by forblue (Monk Band)

Access

1-5-10 Ōyabe, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Parking

10 spaces available

Contact

046-836-2317

Social Links

Official Website https://manshoji.com/
Official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh5i7FaRzpdw8UiGeOJgsdg
forblue Official Website https://forblue1.wixsite.com/forblue-official-hp
YouTube forblue YouTube Channel
X (Twitter) https://x.com/forblue_info

Contact and Organizer: Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024

Contact

Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival Executive Committee Secretariat
info@fukusenji76.com (Fukusenji Temple, Vice Chief Priest)

Organizer Information

Organizer: Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival Executive Committee
Supporters: Yokosuka Tourism Association, Miura City Tourism Association, Hayama Town Tourism Association

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