The Shōju Raigō Nerikuyō Eshiki (Welcoming Saints Parade Memorial Service)

Held annually on April 14th, this historic religious service is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and is affectionately known by locals as “Taima’s Parade” and the “Taimadera Memorial Service Parade.” It is a solemn religious drama that reenacts the legend of Chujo-hime, a legendary woman who, at the age of 29, was said to have been welcomed into the Western Paradise while still alive during the Tempyo era, and it has been conducted over 1,000 times to date.

The Nerikuyō depicts the journey of Chujo-hime being guided to the Pure Land of Bliss by twenty-five Bodhisattvas, dramatized in a theatrical fashion. On the Raigō Bridge, which symbolizes the connection between this world and the Pure Land, a golden-faced Kannon Bodhisattva places a small statue of Chujo-hime on a lotus pedestal and parades towards the main hall, envisioned as the Pure Land of Bliss.

Originating in the 2nd year of Kansei (1005), when the Buddhist priest Eshin Sozu Genshin is said to have started the tradition at Taimadera, the Nerikuyō has since inspired similar services across Japan.

* Nerikuyō: A Buddhist ceremony within a temple service where participants parade dressed as welcoming Bodhisattvas.

About the date, time and location

• Date and Time: April 14th (Sunday) from 4:00 PM
• Location: Taimadera (1263 Taima, Katsuragi City)

*Due to expected crowding, please consider using public transportation.