Celebrate the Hinamatsuri (雛祭り) Girl’s Day Festival with a pleasant walk around big, beautiful & historic Nakayama Hokkekyo-ji temple on Sunday, February 26th!
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OUR TOUR:
Located in Funabashi, not far from Tokyo, old Hokkekyo-ji temple has one of the finest displays of Ohina dolls in the Kanto area!
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We’ll walk up along the “sando”, (sacred road) to the temple, past many traditional Japanese-sweets, gift, flower shops, vendors of crackers & other traditional goodies we may visit and perhaps buy. (Great stuff!)
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This historic 900-year old temple complex with many gorgeous buildings is set in a beautiful valley filled with plum, cherry, peach & other flowering trees such as early blooming Sakura!
The sky may be very blue, the air cool & very fresh at Nakayama!
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We’ll explore the ancient temple grounds, see the amazing Ohina displays, then hike up to the wonderful, “Inner” temple, where “Saint” Nichiren-shonin took refuge from his enemies.
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Other cultural treasures we’ll visit include the Great Buddha, Benten-do, Hokkedo Hall, Five Story Pagoda, Yotsuashi-mon gate and Soshi-do Hall.
We may also stop to enjoy an antique shop & visit the wonderful bakery cafe up the hill from the main temple where we can stop for a late lunch, or snacks and drinks.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-d1314356?m=55593
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CULTURE & HISTORY:
“Hinamatsuri (雛祭り) festival takes place each year on March 3rd. It is also sometimes called the “Peach Tree Festival” or “Girls’ Day/Girls’ Festival”, a day to pray for the health, happiness, and good luck for
young girls in the family. https://old.izanau.com/article/celebrate-girls-day-hinamatsuri-japan
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Usually celebrated by setting up a display of exquisite dolls called @
“hina-ningyō” (雛人形), dressed in beautiful clothes in the style of the Heian Period (平安時代). These displays range in size from one pair of dolls up to a full set that includes seven shelves, 15 dolls, and numerous accessories. While historically, displaying the full set has been preferable, the space and time they take to set up together.
Due to the cost (I have seen just parts of a set selling for over $1000) many people will often display only the topmost tier.”
At Hokekyo-ji, we may see dozens of large and unique displays!
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The festival has roots in the Hina-nagashi (雛流し) doll floating festival dating back to the Heian Period.
SEE: https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/kanto/chibabayarea/kanko/2441/
Nakayama Hokekyo-ji Temple: This temple in Chiba Prefecture belongs to Nichiren sect. Established by the famous monk Nichiren Daishonin, who lived during Kamakura Period (1185-1333) this temple hosts one of Three Kishimojin Goddesses.
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Many people who pray for safe childbirth, delivery from illnesses and business prosperity visit here. Inside the temple you can find works by Nichiren such as “Establishing the Correct teaching for the Peace of the Land (Rissho Ankoku Ron)” and “The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind (Kanjin-no Honzon-sho)”, both designated as National Treasures.
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SEE: http://www.dentalofficesjapan.net/nakayama-hokekyoji-temple.html#hokekyouji-hinamatsuri
👉🏻 Bring a smile, your mask(s) comfortable shoes, snacks & a beverage.
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🍑 Important to know:
Since both JR Sobu Rapid Blue and Sobu Local Yellow trains stop at JR Ichikawa station, it’s convenient for us to meet there, then take a local train to Nakayama.
(Ichikawa is just 19 minutes east from JR Akihabara!)
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NOTE: If you prefer to take the Keisei Line from Nippori, Ueno, or Aoto, please get off at Keisei-Nakayama Station. We’ll meet you there at 1:30.
(PLEASE let me know in advance IF you’ll be arriving at the Keisei Station!)
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NOTE: The Ohina festival is free, but we work hard to plan interesting events and to guide you to the very best places, so please give generously! (There’s no set Meetup fee, but your donations of from￥2000 -￥5000 are much appreciated!)
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KIDS are WELCOME & free to join with a parent!
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We look forward to seeing you & hope you will invite your friends to join in this unique experience of traditional Japanese culture!
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Thanks! Your organizer, Kerry D. 💖
Ichikawa Station
1-chōme-1-1 Ichikawa
Chiba, JP, 272-0034