Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple Grand Festival (May)
A grand festival held on the 27th-28th of January, May, and September at Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple (Doryo-son) in Minamiashigara, Kanagawa. This Soto Zen temple was founded in 1394 by Zen Master Ryoan Emyo and ranks third after Eihei-ji and Soji-ji. The grand festival features elaborate prayers to Doryo-son, with the Goku-shiki offering ceremony on the 27th evening. The May festival includes special dharma talks, concerts, and cultural events, drawing about 2,000 worshippers. The grounds, surrounded by ancient cedar trees, are known as a power spot.
Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple Grand Festival (May) に関する情報をみんなで持ち寄りましょう。
Event Info
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The prayers at the Goma-do Hall are powerful and a must-see. The Goku-shiki ceremony on the 27th evening offers a rare chance to witness a solemn ritual up close. The May 2026 festival features a special dharma talk 'Where the Soul Goes' by Rev. Minami Jikisai of Osorezan Bodai-ji Temple. Also noteworthy are the 8 power spots on the grounds and the iron geta (clogs) offered to the temple.
history_eduHistory & Origins
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Founded in 1394 (Oei 1) by Zen Master Ryoan Emyo. Part of the Tsuge Jakurei lineage under the Gasan Gochetsu branch, with over 4,000 branch temples nationwide. One of Kanagawa's three great temples alongside Oyama Fudo and Kawasaki Daishi. The grand festivals three times a year (Jan, May, Sep) are long-standing traditions.
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Daiyuzan Saijo-ji was founded in 1394 and the grand festivals are long-standing traditions held on the 27th-28th of January, May, and September each year. In recent years, cultural events such as special dharma talks and concerts have been added alongside the religious ceremonies. The May 2025 festival featured a special dharma talk by a priest from Osorezan Bodai-ji.
directionsAccess
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About 10 min by bus from Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line Daiyuzan Station, get off at 'Doryo-son,' then about 10 min walk. By car, about 9 km (20-25 min) from Tomei Expressway Oimatsuda IC via Prefectural Routes 723 and 78. Free parking (250 spaces).
groupsCrowd Forecast
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About 2,000 worshippers visit during the festival. Early morning is relatively uncrowded with a more sacred atmosphere. The Goku-shiki ceremony on the 27th evening gets crowded, so arriving early is recommended.
hotelBook a hotel in 神奈川県 南足柄市 earlyPRchecklistTips & What to Bring
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Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are on a mountainside with many stairs and slopes. Free admission. General reception 6:00-16:00, charm shop 9:00-16:00. Insect repellent recommended in May's fresh green season.
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PR一休.com / じゃらん遊び・体験
9/27〜10/3、
神奈川おすすめ
いちばんの注目は藤沢市民まつり。1974年に第1回が開催された。
夏の夜空に花火
秋のうまいもの
無料でお得に楽しむ
Visitor Report
Daiyuzan Saijo-ji is known for its sacred atmosphere amid towering cedar trees - visitors say the experience cleanses the soul. The prayers at the Goma-do Hall, with chanting echoing through the hall, are described as powerful by many visitors. The various iron geta (clogs) offered on the grounds make for unique viewing. On festival days the temple bustles with more worshippers than usual, but early morning visits allow for peaceful worship. Good bus connections from Daiyuzan Station.
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