HATSU FUDO at Takahata Fudo Temple
Jan. 28 Every year the same day of January.
Takahata Fudoson Temple in Hino City, Western Suburbs of Tokyo

Takahata Fudo worships Fudo Myoo or Fudoson which is the wisdom king Acala Vidyaraja in Buddhism. The temple belongs to Chizan division of Shingon Sect and is counted among the Kanto region's three major Fudo-son Temple. It is believed the origin of the temple traces back to the early Heian period when the Emperor Seiwa commanded to place a Fudo Myoo (Acala Vidyaraja) to protect the district of eastern Kanto.

A Grand festival comes on the 28th of January as the first Fudo fair (Hatsu Fudo). Tens of thousand worshippers visit the temple on the day and many stalls are lined up in the precinct of the temple. Many are selling daruma dolls from sunrise to sunset for people seeking good luck in the new year. People paint in eyes of daruma black with a brush when his or her wish comes true. Dharuma (Boddhidharma) is an Indian buddhist who went to China where he is said to have sat for nine years in meditation until losing his arms and legs.

Chigosan Gyoretsu - A parade of children in fancy attires is scheduled from 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. Chigosan means divine children. They play an important role at events of temples and shrines. Ages must be under 8.

URL: http://www.takahatafudoson.or.jp/
Address: 733 Takahata, Hino City
Nearest Stn: Takahata Fudo Station on Keio Line
Telephone: 042-591-0032