Owari Four Kannon Temple Setsubun Festival 2025
The "Owari Four Kannon" are four Buddhist temples in Nagoya, Japan, each enshrining Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion, as their principal deity. These temples are Arako Kannon Temple, Ryusenji Temple, Jimokuji Kannon, and Kasadera Kannon.
The designation of these four temples as the "Owari Four Kannon" is attributed to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. When constructing Nagoya Castle as the center of Owari Province, he is said to have identified the temples located in the unlucky direction (known as kimon) from the castle and designated them as the "Owari Four Kannon" to protect the castle from negative influences.
In addition to their protective role, it is believed that visiting a temple near the lucky direction (eho) brings good fortune. For 2025, the eho Kannon is Arako Kannon Temple.
Setsubun Festival Schedule and Access
The Setsubun Festival, a traditional Japanese event marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, is celebrated at each of the Owari Four Kannon temples. The festival typically involves bean-throwing ceremonies to ward off evil spirits and pray for good luck.
Arako Kannon Temple (2025 Eho)
Setsubun Bean Throwing Ceremony
February 2, 2025 (Sun) 10:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00
Access
A 10-minute walk from Exit 4 of Takabata Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line, or a 10-minute walk from Arako Station on the Aonami Line.
Arako Kannon Temple Spot Details
Ryusenji Temple
Setsubun Eve Festival
February 1, 2025 (Sat) 20:00-24:00
Setsubun Grand Festival
February 2, 2025 (Sun) 9:00-18:00
Access
A 3-minute walk from Ryusenji-guchi bus stop on the Yutorito Line. Alternatively, from Obata Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line, transfer to the Moriyama-bound city bus and alight at the Obata Ryokuchi bus stop, followed by a 7-minute walk.
Kasadera Kannon
Setsubun Eve Prayer
February 1, 2025 (Sat) 20:00-24:00
Setsubun Good Luck and Exorcism Bean Throwing Prayer
February 2, 2025 (Sun) 9:00-16:00
Access
A 3-minute walk from Moto-Kasadera Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line.
Jimokuji Kannon
Setsubun Exorcism and Good Luck "Bean Throwing Prayer"
February 2, 2025 (Sun) 8:00-17:00
Access
A 5-minute walk from Jimokuji Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line.
Event Details
Dates: February 1, 2025 (Sat) – February 2, 2025 (Sun)
Venues: Kasadera Kannon, Ryusenji Temple, Arako Kannon Temple, Jimokuji Kannon
*Please note that the access map provided is for Arako Kannon Temple, the 2025 eho.
The Four Kannon Temples of Owari
Located in Aichi Prefecture, the Four Kannon Temples of Owari are a notable group of Buddhist temples dedicated to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. These temples have long been important spiritual sites, drawing pilgrims and visitors seeking blessings and peace. Each temple has its own distinct history and architecture, contributing to the cultural and religious heritage of the region.
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Ryusenji Temple: Known for its gardens and calm atmosphere, Ryusenji Temple offers a space for reflection. It is well-known for its annual Setsubun festival, where rituals are performed to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.
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Arako Kannon Temple: This temple is famous for its wooden statue of Kannon, regarded as a cultural treasure. Arako Kannon Temple is a destination for those seeking healing and protection, playing a significant role in the local community’s spiritual life.
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Kasadera Kannon Temple: With its notable architecture and history, Kasadera Kannon Temple is a key site for those interested in Nagoya’s cultural heritage. The temple hosts various events, including the Setsubun festival, featuring traditional performances and rituals.
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Jimokuji Kannon Temple: As one of the oldest temples in the area, Jimokuji Kannon Temple provides insight into the past with its ancient structures and artifacts. It is a pilgrimage site for many seeking spiritual growth, known for its peaceful surroundings.
These four temples form a spiritual circuit that offers both a journey of faith and an exploration of Owari’s traditions. Visitors to the Setsubun festival can experience the distinct atmosphere of each temple while engaging in customs that mark the changing seasons and the renewal of life.
