o-eshiki

The founder of the Nichiren sect died around the 2nd week of October in Ikegami.

Since Ikegami Honmonji is the largest temple for the Nichiren sect, they have a 3-day "celebration" for him.

Food stalls lined almost every street around the temple (they even block actual shops on these streets! don't look at their food prep hygiene, you will not want to eat from them...eep!)

Worshippers on the left, Mando (floats that are lit up and decorated with paper flowers) on the right.

Go up these stairs to pay your respects.

The temple area was decorated for the celebration.

Groups from all over Japan came.

Each group was escorted up to the main temple to give their offerings and prayers.

This is a picture of the mando.

I didn't want to fight the crowds so I didn't go to see the final procession on the 13th but was able to view parts of it on local television, it was quite a large gathering.

Have a nice weekend.