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2 clusters · 2 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Zenko-ji Gokaicho ritual preparations

Overview

Preparations are underway for the 2027 Zenko-ji Gokaicho in Nagano, a special Buddhist ritual held once every seven years. The event features the public unveiling of the ‘Maedachi Honzon’, a substitute for the temple’s secret main Buddha, and is scheduled to run from April 4 to June 19, 2027.

Initial preparations included educational trivia events led by monks and the opening of reservations at the Rengein temple lodging to accommodate pilgrims. As the event approaches, organizers have installed a countdown board in Nagano City.

Following a one-year postponement of the previous ritual due to COVID-19, officials anticipate record-breaking attendance that could exceed the previous high of 7.07 million visitors. Promotional efforts have expanded to include seminars in Ginza, Tokyo, to educate the public on pilgrimage methods and local specialties.

Entities

Zenko-ji · Zenko-ji Temple · Nagano · Rengein · Nagano City

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Zenko-ji Temple prepares for 2027 Gokaicho unveiling ritual

    Nagano City has launched a countdown for the Zenko-ji Gokaicho ritual, scheduled for April to June 2027. The seven-yearly event expects to draw over 7 million visitors.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Zenko-ji prepares for 2027 Gokaicho ritual in Nagano

    Zenko-ji temple in Nagano is preparing for its 2027 Gokaicho ritual. Lodging reservations have opened, and educational events are being held to teach the public about the temple's history and traditions.

Sources

fnn.jp · prtimes.jp