光明寺のお十夜
In 2012, I visited Ojuya at Komyo-ji Temple. Ojuya, or “Juya Hoyo,” is a special ten-day Buddhist ceremony held at Jodo-shu temples.
Komyo-ji held its first Ojuya in 1495, and it continues to be celebrated annually from the night of October 12th to the morning of October 15th.
光明寺のお十夜
On the afternoon of October 14th, I walked from Kamakura Station and arrived at Kuhon-ji Temple just as the Neri Gyoretsu (procession) was departing. This procession consists of an officiating priest, followed by other priests and children from Kuhon-ji, marching to Komyo-ji.
The children, dressed in charming pink costumes, were adorable. Some participants played gagaku instruments, including the Sho, creating an atmosphere of traditional Japanese elegance. There were also ladies walking and singing while ringing bells.
The procession was simpler and quieter than I had anticipated, walking along the edge of Komachi Street. On the other side of the street, parents and onlookers with cameras accompanied the procession.
I went to Komyo-ji’s Sanmon Gate to await the Neri Gyoretsu’s arrival. When the procession reached the gate, Sange (colored paper) was scattered from the top. I easily caught some of the Sange.
光明寺のお十夜
After the officiating priest entered the Hondo (main hall), the Hoyo ceremony began. I stood at the back and observed the ceremony for a while, aided by announcements explaining each stage of the proceedings.
I was fortunate to see the Sanmon, which is only open to the public during Ojuya. The view from the second floor of the Sanmon, overlooking the Zaimokuza Sea, was beautiful. The roof of the first floor was also covered in Sange.
光明寺のお十夜
I saw the garden from the hallway between Hondo and Kaizan-do. I could see shining Amida Nyorai in the window of Taishokaku, which was opened.
光明寺のお十夜
光明寺のお十夜
