Yoshizaki Gobo Rennyo Shonin Museum hosts Kitamaebune history exhibition

The Yoshizaki Gobo Rennyo Shonin Memorial Museum in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture, is hosting a special spring/summer exhibition titled “What Did the Sailors Worship? — Kitamaebune Navigating Rough Seas with Gods and Buddhas —”. The exhibition, running from April 1 to September 28, 2026, explores the religious history and faith that supported Kitamaebune sailors during their hazardous voyages across the Sea of Japan.

Visitors can view rare historical artifacts, including sacred calligraphy by Rennyo Shonin, votive tablets (ema), and items related to ship owners. The museum also offers interactive cultural experiences, such as sutra copying and making original incense bags using natural scents from Kyoto.

As part of a new tourism initiative, the museum will launch redesigned admission tickets featuring a “Goshuin-style” (traditional temple stamp) aesthetic starting July 25, 2026, allowing visitors to keep a commemorative souvenir of their visit.