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A spring tradition in Tokyo: Make a wish on the lucky Daruma dolls lined up in the temple grounds.
Founded in 733, Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City is one of the oldest and most respected temples in the Kanto region. It’s home to the Shaka Nyorai statue, the oldest Buddha statue designated as a National Treasure in eastern Japan. Every March, the temple hosts the Jindaiji Daruma Fair, a traditional event that has continued since the mid-Edo period. This fair is known as one of the three major Daruma fairs in Japan.
The Yakuyoke Ganzan Daishi Grand Festival, the temple’s biggest annual event, takes place on March 3rd and 4th. During the festival, the temple gate is beautifully decorated with red and white plum blossoms. Around 100,000 visitors come each year to receive blessings from Ganzan Daishi (Ryogen), the temple’s enshrined deity, who is usually kept hidden from public view.
Around this time, approximately 300 shops, both large and small, line the temple grounds and approach, with many selling lucky daruma dolls. The lively voices of vendors fill the air. After purchasing a daruma, you can have a monk draw in its eye at the “Daruma Eye-Painting Spot” in front of the Ganzandaishi Hall. The left eye is filled in with the character “阿 (A),” which symbolizes beginnings. Once your wish comes true, you fill in the right eye with the character “吽 (Un),” meaning fulfillment, and return the daruma to the temple. Limited-edition goshuin (temple stamps) and charms, available only during these two days, are also a highlight each year.
Approx 100,000 visitors come here to pray every year.
Held every March to coincide with the temple’s most important annual event, the “Yakuyoke Ganzan Daishi Festival.”
At the “Daruma Eye-Painting Spot,” you can have a monk paint the eyes on the Daruma you purchased.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
There are so many different sizes of Daruma dolls here, from tiny ones to ones so big you can't even carry them! When you buy a Daruma, you get to paint the eyes yourself, which makes it feel really special and meaningful.
