Events in Minobusan and Minobu Town

Here's a compilation of events at Minobusan Kuonji Temple, along with festivals and seasonal highlights in Minobu Town for the coming year. Estimated travel times from temple lodging to each venue are also included.

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⚠️ Dates and content published may change. Especially,events may be canceled or postponed in case of rain or severe weather. Please check the official website of the organizer for the latest information before you go.

November 2026

Mid-November to early December 2026 (annual peak viewing for Sanmon Gate area)Dates are approximate

🌸 Autumn leaves of Mount Minobu (peak viewing estimate)

Minobusan Kuonji Temple grounds, Gobyosho (mausoleum), and ropeway line

Highly recommended ★★★★★Families, couples, solo travelers, groupsRecommended for international visitors

The area around the Sanmon Gate, the Gobyosho, and the mountainsides viewed from the ropeway are dyed in brilliant reds and yellows. The temple grounds at sunrise offer a view only visible to those staying at a temple lodging.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo: 3-minute walk / Habanobo: 4-minute walk / Shimanobo: 12-minute walk

Peak viewing varies with the year's temperatures. The summit of Mount Minobu typically peaks from late October to early November.

See the latest information on the official website (Minobu Town Tourism Information Site "Minolove") ↗

December 2026

Early December 2026 to early January 2027 (planned)Dates are approximate

✨ Nishijima Illumination

Around Nishimachi District, Nishijima, Minobu Town

Recommended ★★★☆☆Families, couples, groupsEnjoyable even without understanding the language

This annual year-end illumination, ongoing since 2000, lights up a 500-meter alley with over 120,000 bulbs. The handmade decorations by local residents are a highlight.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Habanobo: 40-minute drive / Matsui-bo: 40-minute drive / Shimanobo: 40-minute drive

In 2025, lights will be on from December 1st to January 3rd, 5 PM to 9 PM.

See the latest information on the official website (Minobu Town Hall Tourism Division) ↗

Thursday, December 31, 2026Around 23:50~

🙏 Minobusan Year-End Sutra Chanting & New Year's Eve Bell

Minobusan Kuonji Temple, Great Bell Tower

Recommended ★★★★☆Couples, solo travelers, groupsEnjoyable even if you don't understand the language

On New Year's Eve, the New Year's Eve bell is rung at the Great Bell Tower. You can welcome the New Year at Minobusan and then attend the New Year's Prayer Service on New Year's Day.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo 3 min walk / Habanobo 4 min walk / Shimanobo 12 min walk

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji Temple) ↗

January 2027

January 1 (Fri) - 3 (Sun), 20271st: From 4:00 AM / 2nd & 3rd: From 5:30 AM

🙏 Minobusan New Year's Prayer Service

Minobusan Kuonji Temple, Main Hall

Recommended ★★★★☆Families, couples, solo travelers, groupsEnjoyable even if you don't understand the language

This is a memorial service to pray for peace in the new year. On New Year's Day, it will be held from 4:00 AM in the Main Hall.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo 3 min walk / Habanobo 4 min walk / Shimanobo 12 min walk

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji Temple) ↗

February 2027

February 3 (Wed), 202713:00~

🙏 Minobusan Setsubun Festival

Minobusan Kuonji Temple, Soshido Hall

Recommended ★★★★☆Families, couples, solo travelers, groupsRecommended for international visitors

This Setsubun ceremony is held on the day before Risshun (the first day of spring). It's a major winter event on Mt. Minobu, bustling with bean-throwing.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo: 3 min walk / Habanobo: 4 min walk / Shimanobo: 12 min walk

Held the day before Risshun

See latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji) ↗

March 2027

Around the Spring Equinox, March 2027Dates are approximate

🌸 Diamond Fuji from Mt. Shichimen (around spring and autumn equinox)

Near Keishin-in on Mt. Shichimen (requires climbing and overnight stay)

Recommended ★★★★☆Solo travelers, couples, groupsRecommended for international visitors

Mt. Shichimen is located almost directly west of Mt. Fuji. Around the spring and autumn equinoxes, you can see "Diamond Fuji," where the sun rises from Mt. Fuji's summit. To see it, you need to climb the mountain the day before and stay overnight at Keishin-in.

See latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji (Mt. Shichimen Pilgrimage Guide)) ↗

Late March to early April 2027 (typical viewing season)Dates are approximate

🌸 Weeping cherry blossoms at Minobusan Kuonji (estimated best viewing)

In front of Soshido Hall and Guest Hall at Minobusan Kuonji

Recommended ★★★★★Families, couples, solo travelers, groupsRecommended for international visitors

Two weeping cherry trees, over 400 years old, stand in front of Soshido Hall and the Guest Hall. It gets crowded during the day, so we recommend staying at a temple lodging and seeing them early in the morning.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo: 3 min walk / Habanobo: 4 min walk / Shimanobo: 12 min walk

During the peak blooming season, surrounding roads may be congested and traffic regulations may be in effect.

See the latest information on the official website (Fujinokuni Yamanashi Tourism Net) ↗

Late March 2027 (planned)Dates are approximate

🌸 Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival at Fujikawa Craft Park

Fujikawa Craft Park (Shimoyama, Minobu Town)

Recommended ★★★☆☆Families, couples, groupsEnjoyable even if you don't understand the language

This event celebrates the weeping cherry blossom season at Fujikawa Craft Park, a large park in Minobu Town.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Habanobo 15 min by car / Matsui-bo 15 min by car / Shimanobo 15 min by car

Held on March 28th and 29th in 2026

See the latest information on the official website (Minobu Town Tourism Division) ↗

May 2027

Photo is for illustration purposes only

May 3 (Mon) - 5 (Wed), 2027Recitation meeting from 10:00 AM / Grand memorial service from 1:00 PM

🙏 Minobusan Senbue

Minobusan Kuonji Temple Main Hall

Recommended ★★★☆☆Couples, solo travelers, groupsEnjoyable even if you don't understand the language

This is a memorial service held in the Main Hall. It's an opportunity to visit Minobusan during the fresh green season.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo 3 min walk / Habanobo 4 min walk / Shimanobo 12 min walk

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji Temple) ↗

Mid to late May 2027 (planned)Dates are approximate

🌸 Fujikawa Craft Park Rose Festival

Fujikawa Craft Park (Shimoyama, Minobu Town)

Recommended ★★★☆☆Families, couples, groupsEnjoyable even if you don't understand Japanese

An event held when the rose garden at Fujikawa Craft Park is in full bloom.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Habanobo 15 min by car / Matsui-bo 15 min by car / Shimanobo 15 min by car

Held May 9-31, 2026

See the latest information on the official website (Minobu Town Tourism Division) ↗

June 2027

Photo for illustration purposes only

Tuesday, June 15 – Thursday, June 17, 2027

🙏 Minobusan Kaizan-e (Founding Ceremony)

Minobusan Kuonji Temple Main Hall and Go-soan-ato (site of the original hermitage)

Recommended ★★★☆☆Couples, solo travelers, groupsEnjoyable even if you don't understand Japanese

A memorial service commemorating Saint Nichiren's establishment of a hermitage on Mount Minobu. On the final day, a service is held at the site of the hermitage where the saint lived.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Matsui-bo 3 min walk / Habanobo 4 min walk / Shimanobo 12 min walk

On the 17th, a memorial service will be held at Go-soan-ato from 11:00 AM.

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji Temple) ↗

August 2027

Early August 2027 (planned)Dates are approximate

🎆 Shimobe Onsenkyo Inn Fireworks

Shimobe Onsenkyo Riverside Park (Kaminohira, Minobu-cho)

Recommended ★★★★☆Families, couples, solo travelers, groupsRecommended for international visitors

Approximately 800 fireworks light up the summer night in the hot spring town.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate straight-line distance) Habanobo 20 min by car / Matsui-bo 20 min by car / Shimanobo 20 min by car

August 10, 2026, from 8:00 PM for about 30 minutes, approx. 800 fireworks (held in light rain, canceled in stormy weather)

See the latest information on the official website (Minobu Town Hall Tourism Division) ↗

September 2027

September 18 (Sat) - 19 (Sun), 2027

🙏 Mt. Shichimen Grand Festival

Keishin-in, Mt. Shichimen (near the summit; mountain climbing required)

Recommended ★★★☆☆Solo travelers, groupsPrimarily guided in Japanese

A grand festival held at Keishin-in, near the summit of Mt. Shichimen. A 4-5 hour hike from the trailhead is required to reach Keishin-in.

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji) ↗

Around the autumnal equinox in September 2027Dates are approximate

🌸 Diamond Fuji from Mt. Shichimen (around the spring and autumn equinoxes)

Near Keishin-in, Mt. Shichimen (mountain climbing and overnight stay required)

Recommended ★★★★☆Solo travelers, couples, groupsRecommended for international visitors

Mt. Shichimen is located almost directly west of Mt. Fuji. Around the spring and autumn equinoxes, you can witness "Diamond Fuji," when the sun rises directly from Mt. Fuji's summit. To see it, you must climb the mountain the day before and stay overnight at Keishin-in.

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji (Mt. Shichimen Pilgrimage Guide)) ↗

October 2027

October 11 (Mon) - 13 (Wed), 2027

🙏 Minobusan Founder's Memorial Service & Mando Procession

Minobusan Kuonji Temple and Monzen-machi Street

Recommended ★★★★★Families, couples, solo travelers, groupsRecommended for international visitors

This is the largest memorial service at Minobusan, commemorating the death of Saint Nichiren. On the night of October 12, a procession carrying flower-decorated mando lanterns and beating uchiwa daiko drums while chanting "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" proceeds from the main gate through the temple town to the main hall.

If you stay at a temple lodging, you can walk back after watching the night procession.

From temple lodging to venue(Approximate distance) Matsui-bo: 3 min walk / Habanobo: 4 min walk / Shimanobo: 12 min walk

See the latest information on the official website (Minobusan Kuonji) ↗

Last updated: 2026-11-01

Stay at a temple lodging in Minobusan

On event days, staying at a temple lodging allows you to walk to and participate in evening and early morning events.

November 2026

🌸 Autumn leaves of Mount Minobu (peak viewing estimate)

December 2026

✨ Nishijima Illumination

🙏 Minobusan Year-End Sutra Chanting & New Year's Eve Bell

January 2027

🙏 Minobusan New Year's Prayer Service

February 2027

🙏 Minobusan Setsubun Festival

March 2027

🌸 Diamond Fuji from Mt. Shichimen (around spring and autumn equinox)

🌸 Weeping cherry blossoms at Minobusan Kuonji (estimated best viewing)

🌸 Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival at Fujikawa Craft Park

May 2027

🙏 Minobusan Senbue

🌸 Fujikawa Craft Park Rose Festival

June 2027

🙏 Minobusan Kaizan-e (Founding Ceremony)

August 2027

🎆 Shimobe Onsenkyo Inn Fireworks

September 2027

🙏 Mt. Shichimen Grand Festival

🌸 Diamond Fuji from Mt. Shichimen (around the spring and autumn equinoxes)

October 2027

🙏 Minobusan Founder's Memorial Service & Mando Procession

Stay at a temple lodging in Minobusan

Temple Hotel Shimanobo

Temple Hotel Matsui-bo

Temple Hotel Habanobo