Kokawa-dera

In front of the Main Hall, the Saito Daigoma fire ritual is solemnly performed. Write your wishes, name, and age on a goma-wood stick, cast it into the fire, and pray for warding off evil, inviting good fortune, and for the fulfillment of various wishes.

This is an Obon observance to console the spirits by dedicating sutra strips (kyōgi tōba) inscribed with the posthumous Buddhist names of both related and unrelated deceased to a special Segaki altar set up in front of the Main Hall, offering water and praying for the bodhi of all spirits.

A service to console the spirits of ancestors and to reflect on one’s daily conduct. From 1:00 p.m., the Kannon Sutra is chanted continuously for eight hours. During this time, a light for sending off the spirits is offered, and visitors may join in sutra recitation at any time.