Zenko-ji Temple prepares for 2027 Gokaicho unveiling ritual

A countdown board has been installed in Nagano City to mark the six-month countdown to the Zenko-ji Gokaicho, a special Buddhist ritual held once every seven years. The event, which involves the public unveiling of the Maedachi Honzon (a substitute of the temple's main deity), is scheduled to take place from April 4 to June 19, 2027.

The previous unveiling was postponed by one year to 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19. For the upcoming 2027 event, organizers anticipate a record-breaking number of visitors, potentially exceeding the previous high of 7.07 million pilgrims.

In preparation for the event, promotional activities are underway, including a seminar in Ginza, Tokyo, featuring a Zenko-ji chief priest. The seminar aims to educate the public on the significance of the ritual, pilgrimage methods, and local Nagano specialties to encourage tourism.