Jindaiji Daruma Ichi Fair 2025 in Tokyo

The Jindaiji Temple Yakuyoke Ganzan Jie Daishi Festival is a popular spring event in Tokyo. It was first held during the Edo period to honor Ganzan Daishi, the chief abbot of Enryaku-ji, in the 10th century. The festival is one of Japan’s three largest daruma doll markets, featuring around 300 street stalls offering dolls in various sizes and styles.

Daruma Doll

When choosing your daruma doll at the Jindaiji Temple Yakuyoke Ganzan Jie Daishi Festival, you can have your wish written on the back. A monk will inscribe a special character on the doll's left eye, signifying the start of your journey toward fulfilling that wish. After a year, if your wish has come true, the right eye is marked with another character. This practice reflects the ancient phrase "A-un no Kokyū" (breath of harmony), symbolizing beginnings ("A") and completions ("Un"). Once complete, the daruma doll is returned to the temple as a gesture of gratitude. You can participate in this ritual, called the goma prayer ceremony, at Daishido Hall between 9 am and 5 pm. The prayer ceremony itself lasts about 25 minutes.

Festival Events

The Jindaiji Temple Yakuyoke Ganzan Jie Daishi Festival features hourly prayers and the burning of cedar sticks as part of its daily rituals. A highlight of the festival is the Hyakumi Kuyo ritual at 1:45 pm, which includes a procession and offerings of tea and sweets to honor Ganzan Daishi. Over 100,000 visitors gather throughout the day to seek blessings and pray for the miraculous powers associated with Ganzan Daishi.