Overview
Renge-e and Kaeru-Tobi Gyoji is the unique ritual at Kinpusenji Temple famous for its main building call Zaō-Hall (Zaōdō), the second largest wooden structure in Japan after the Great Buddha Hall at Tōdai-Ji.
The ritual is to dedicate Lotus flower ( Renge) to Zaō-Hall. The lotus flower is brought from one of Benten Ponds in which the ascetic (En no Gyōja) took his first bath.
The large blue flog (played by a man in the costume) sat on the carrier of Taiko Drum is carried into Zao-Hall where frog jumping event ( Kaeru Tobi gyoji) take place. When the ritual is completed, “the large blue flog” is believed to return to his human form.
Video
History
Kimpusen-ji was founded by En no Gyōja, who propagated a form of mountain asceticism drawing from Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, in the second half of 7th century.
Religious Background
Shugendō (a highly syncretic religion that originated in Heian Japan)
Image
Date
July 7th
Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Location
Yoshino-Cho Town, Yoshino-gun, Nara-Prefecture
More information
http://www.kinpusen.or.jp/event/3dai.html (Japanese )