Toyokawa Inari to hold first sacred unveiling in 72 years

Toyokawa Inari (Enpukuzan Myogen-ji) in Aichi Prefecture has announced its first “Gokaicho” (sacred unveiling) since 1954. The event is scheduled to take place from November 1 to November 23, 2026.

To mark the occasion, a symbolic “Goenbashira” pillar will be erected in front of the main hall on October 24, 2026. This pillar serves to connect worshippers with the hidden Buddha, Toyokawa Dakini Shinten, through sacred ropes. By touching the pillar during the unveiling period, practitioners believe they can achieve a spiritual connection equivalent to touching the deity directly.

The unveiling period will include several significant ceremonies, such as the opening of the Shinden on October 31 and the Gokaicho Grand Festival on November 21 and 22.