Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024
From July 6 to August 24, six temples in Yokosuka City, Miura City, and Hayama Town will illuminate their precincts with hundreds of handcrafted bamboo lanterns for the “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024”. This enchanting event, coinciding with Tanabata and the Obon season, offers visitors a unique blend of traditional festivities, including wish-making spaces, ancestral letter writing, Bon dances, and special temple stamp collections.
- About the event: “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024”
- Get to know the history: What are “Bon” and “Taketoro”?
- Basic Information
- Imagine Bon Odori Club Presents: Live Band Bon Odori at “Jorakuji Temple” in Ogusu!
- Bamboo Lanterns from Sunset! Hasse Area “Fukusenji Temple”
- Nagai Area: “Fudanji Temple”
- Serene Ambiance: Bamboo Lanterns at “Tozenji Temple” in Takeyama
- Goma Fire Ritual at “Chounji Temple” in Hayama
- Monk Band: “forblue” Performance at “Manshoji Temple” in Oyabe
- Contact and Organizer: Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024
- Related Articles
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About the event: “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024”
From July 6 to August 24, six temples in Yokosuka City, Miura City, and Hayama Town will each host a one-to-two-day event as part of the “Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024,” where they will display approximately 300 to 500 bamboo lanterns in their precincts, illuminated at night. The young monks, temple parishioners, and residents will handcraft the bamboo lanterns from cutting the bamboo to the final product.
Since the event coincides with Tanabata and the Obon season, the temples will feature Tanabata decorations and create spaces for visitors to make wishes. Other activities include writing letters to ancestors, Bon dances, and other creative initiatives. Additionally, visitors can collect special Obon temple stamps (Goshuin).
Please visit the official website for details.
Get to know the history: What are “Bon” and “Taketoro”?
Obon=Bon is a traditional Japanese event where the spirits of deceased ancestors are believed to return to the world of the living. This period is dedicated to honoring and remembering these ancestors through various rituals and ceremonies.
Obon Period
The Obon period varies by region, but generally falls on the following dates:
Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanazawa, Shizuoka, etc.: July 13th to July 16th
Okinawa and some other areas: July 13th to July 15th (lunar calendar)
Most other regions: August 13th to August 16th
Obon Customs
1. Mukaebi and Okuribi (Welcome and Farewell Fires)
At the beginning of Obon, fires are lit to guide the spirits home. At the end of Obon, fires are lit again to send the spirits back to the afterlife.
2. Altar Decorations and Offerings
Families decorate the household Buddhist altar with flowers and incense and offer food and drinks to the spirits.
3. Obon Decorations
Special decorations are often set up such as “Shoryo-uma (Horse)” and “Shoryo-ushi (Cow)” in the home to honor the ancestors.
4. Family Gatherings
Relatives gather to share meals and conduct memorial services.
5. Grave Visits
Families visit their ancestors’ graves, clean the tombstones, and offer prayers.
6. Bon Odori (Bon Dance)
In many regions, people participate in traditional dances called Bon Odori, which are held to celebrate the spirits’ return.
Significance of Obon
During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to spend time with their living relatives. This is a time to reconnect with deceased loved ones, express gratitude, and remember the bonds shared with them.
Related Customs
In addition to the main rituals, Obon includes regional customs and practices such as special ceremonies, local festivals, and unique traditions. The period often coincides with a holiday for businesses and schools, making it easier for families to gather and participate in the rituals.
Obon is a vital period for reinforcing family ties and honoring the memory of ancestors.
Its significance and customs can vary widely between regions and families, reflecting the rich diversity of Japanese culture.
Basic Information
Event Dates (Total)
July 6th (Saturday), 2024 to August 24th (Saturday), 2024
Event Locations
- Jorakuji Temple (浄楽寺)
- Fukusenji Temple (福泉寺)
- Fudanji Temple (不断寺)
- Tozenji Temple (東漸寺)
- Chounji Temple (長運寺)
- Manshoji Temple (満昌寺)
Official Website
https://bushidobunka.com/2023/06/05/r5-bontaketourou/
Imagine Bon Odori Club Presents: Live Band Bon Odori at “Jorakuji Temple” in Ogusu!
Jorakuji temple is located in Ashina and dates back to the Kamakura period. You’ll be greeted by many bamboo lanterns along the approach when you enter the precinct through the Tanabata Arch. With support from the local community, numerous stalls and food trucks will be open for business.
On the 14th, there will be a traditional Japanese incense fireworks display, and on the 15th, a Bon dance will take place in the precincts and the main hall, with a live performance by the Imagine Bon Odori Club. In addition to the bamboo lanterns, there are other attractions such as “Letter Visiting,” where you can send letters to ancestors, and a kimono market where you can purchase and wear traditional Japanese garments.
We invite you to join us for the three-day Japanese Obon festival, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate with your neighbors.
Dates
August 14th (Wednesday) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
August 15th (Thursday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Events
August 14th
6:00 PM – Free Dagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
7:00 PM – Storytelling about Obon
8:00 PM – Japanese incense fireworks display (participation fee 100 yen), Vintage kimono market
August 15th
5:00 PM – Urabon-e (Obon service)
7:00 PM – Bon Odori, Vintage kimono market
Activities such as “Letter to Ancestors,” “Tanabata decorations” on bamboo arches, and “Bon Odori Goshuin” will be available throughout both days. Approximately 20 stalls will be prepared on each day.
Access
2-30-5 Ashina, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Parking
18 spaces available
Contact
046-856-8622
Social Links
Official Website https://en.jorakuji-jodoshu.com/
X (Twitter) https://x.com/ashina_jorakuji
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jorakuji/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jorakuji.jodoshu/
竹灯籠まつりの準備始まりました。
— 運慶仏の浄楽寺(担当は副住職) (@ashina_jorakuji) May 23, 2023
浄楽寺は8月13日〜15日開催。#盆竹灯籠まつり#盆踊り#盆部#屋台も出るよ pic.twitter.com/fz3RaFBvu3
Bamboo Lanterns from Sunset! Hasse Area “Fukusenji Temple”
Fukusenji Temple was established approximately 450 years ago by a devout son of Kamakura’s prominent temple, Komyoji, to honor his father’s memory. Situated on a hilltop with views across Sagami Bay to Mount Fuji, the temple offers a serene retreat, especially during the tranquil sunset hours.
On both days of the event, kitchen cars line up, and on the 27th, children from Terakoya will be the center of the event, and the Kodomo Ennichi will be held. Additionally, there will be a live piano performance and JAZZ session at the main hall on the 28th to enjoy the harmonious interplay of sound and light!
Dates
July 27th (Saturday) – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
July 28th (Sunday) – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Events
July 27th
6:00 PM – Free Dagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
Kodomo Ennichi hosted by the temple school, food stalls, and calligraphy sessions.
July 28th
Harmony of Sound and Light” Performance Schedule
6:00 PM – Piano performance in the main hall
7:00 PM – Jazz session in the main hall
Food stalls, calligraphy sessions, and a dedication ceremony (8:00 PM)in the main hall.
Access
1020 Mito, Hassemachi, Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Parking
15 spaces (additional parking arrangements available)
Contact
046-888-1959
Social Links
Official Website https://www.fukusenji76.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fukusenji76
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fukusenji76/
Nagai Area: “Fudanji Temple”
Fudanji Temple is said to have been established by Hōjō Tsunetoki, the 4th Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. At the entrance of the main hall, you will find hanging rice bags, which symbolize the necessary tools for those who have returned from the afterlife, following their passing the previous year.
Fudanji Temple is believed to have been founded by Hōjō Tsunetoki, the 4th Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate. At the entrance of the main hall, hanging rice bags can be found. These bags symbolize the essential tools for individuals who have returned from the afterlife after passing away the previous year.
The path from the main gate to the main hall is illuminated by bamboo lanterns, welcoming visitors to the temple. Inside the main hall, visitors can participate in a stamp rally to collect goshuin stamps and offer letters to their ancestors.
Please feel free to visit and experience the tranquility of Fudanji Temple.
浄土宗では法然上人の年忌法要である御忌を月にお勤めしております御命日は２５日ですが、不断寺では新年の挨拶も兼ねて９日にお勤めしております。 pic.twitter.com/3qtZMlNOBl
— 杉浦尋徳@不断寺 (@fudanji511) January 9, 2024
竹灯籠まつりに向けて鐘楼堂にセッティング。肩や腰を痛めながら竹に穴を開けまくった苦労がライトアップの瞬間に報われる。 pic.twitter.com/RkuD38yuNh
— 杉浦尋徳@不断寺 (@fudanji511) July 4, 2024
Dates
July 6th (Saturday) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
July 7th (Sunday) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Events
July 6th
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Temple Yoga
July 7th
7:00 PM to 7:30 PM – Experience playing the Mokugyo
7:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024 Prayer Service
Access
1-1 Nagai 5chome, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Parking
3 spaces available
Contact
046-856-2352
Social Links
Official Website https://www.fudanji.org/
X (Twitter) https://x.com/fudanji511
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fudanji.jodo/
Serene Ambiance: Bamboo Lanterns at “Tozenji Temple” in Takeyama
Tozenji Temple, founded by Miura Yoshiaki’s fifth son, Yoshihide, who entered the monkhood, is a Jodo sect temple. Facing the main hall is the principal deity, Amida Nyorai. On the right side, enshrined is the “Higane Jizo,” initiated by Minamoto no Yoritomo for fulfillment of prayers.
Ascend from the driveway through the main gate, where numerous bamboo lanterns illuminate the grounds. Inside the main hall, cylindrical bamboo lanterns inscribed with the posthumous Buddhist names of newcomers to the Bon festival cast the event in a unique lighting scene. Enclosed areas within the grounds afford serenity to feel the nighttime temple ambiance.
Dates
August 2nd (Friday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
August 3rd (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Events
August 2nd
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Illuminated Space
August 3rd
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Dance Performance by “Hana no Kai”
- “Raigōbutsu” Lantern Offering
- “Tanabata Tanzaku” Dedication
- “Flower Lanterns”
- “Anger Lanterns”
- “Totem Pole”
Please enjoy each of the bamboo lanterns, and be careful in the dark.
Access
2-12-13 Take, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Parking
Approximately 20 spaces available
Contact
046-856-0221
Goma Fire Ritual at “Chounji Temple” in Hayama
Located in Nagae, Hayama, Chounji Temple is associated with Kamakura Gongorō Kagemasa. During Obon, a special Fudo Goma ceremony for ancestral spirits will be conducted. The ceremony is open for participation, with matcha tea, shaved ice, and various stalls available.
Dates
August 13th (Tuesday) 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
August 14th (Wednesday) and August 15th (Thursday) – Bamboo lantern illumination only
Events
August 13th
- 6:00 PM – Daigoma Prayer Ritual (Participation allowed inside the hall)
- Various food stalls
- Free shaved ice
- Many other stalls
Access
615 Nagai, Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture
Parking
Approximately 15 spaces available
Contact
046-856-0221
Feel free to visit with your yukata and enjoy the serene atmosphere!
Social Lists
Official Website http://chounji.exp.jp/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hayamahudo/
Monk Band: “forblue” Performance at “Manshoji Temple” in Oyabe
Manshoji Temple, established in 1194 during the Kamakura period, was built by Minamoto no Yoritomo to honor Miura Yoshiyaki, the head of the Miura clan. Later, the Zen monk Tengang Eiko Butsujō Zenji became its restorer, transforming it into the Zen temple it is today. The principal image of worship is the “Crowned Shakyamuni Buddha” (a designated cultural property of the city), and in the Goryo Shrine behind the main hall, the “Seated Statue of Miura Yoshiyaki” (a national cultural property) is enshrined.
On the day of the Bamboo Lantern Festival, the stairs leading to the Goryo Shrine will be illuminated with bamboo lanterns in honor of the anniversary of Miura Yoshiyaki’s death on August 27th. Additionally, starting around 7 PM in the main hall, there will be a performance by the monk band “forblue,” which includes the temple’s deputy chief priest. They will play familiar songs for everyone’s enjoyment.
Dates
August 24th (Saturday) 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Events
August 24th
Around 7:00 PM – Performance by forblue (Monk Band)
Access
1-5-10 Ōyabe, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Parking
10 spaces available
Contact
046-836-2317
Social Links
Official Website https://manshoji.com/
Official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh5i7FaRzpdw8UiGeOJgsdg
forblue Official Website https://forblue1.wixsite.com/forblue-official-hp
YouTube forblue YouTube Channel
X (Twitter) https://x.com/forblue_info
【1st mini album "landscapes"release】
— forblue (@forblue_info) November 13, 2022
forblueの1st mini album "landscapes"をリリースしました！
各種streamingサービスより御視聴可能です。
宜しければ御一聴ください！
Streaming : https://t.co/V0M7DMQysy
※この先通販での販売も予定しております。 pic.twitter.com/6GeH6oSy8T
ドラム永井の母校である、早稲田大学
— forblue (@forblue_info) July 4, 2024
横須賀三浦稲門会総会・懇親会・新入生歓迎会にて校歌「都の西北」を演奏させていただきました。温かな拍手、声援をありがとうございました！#早稲田#稲門会 pic.twitter.com/9zD3oByyyE
Contact and Organizer: Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival 2024
Contact
Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival Executive Committee Secretariat
info@fukusenji76.com (Fukusenji Temple, Vice Chief Priest)
Organizer Information
Organizer: Bon Taketoro Lantern Festival Executive Committee
Supporters: Yokosuka Tourism Association, Miura City Tourism Association, Hayama Town Tourism Association
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