Events in Minobusan and Minobu Town

We've compiled a year's worth of events at Minobusan Kuonji Temple, as well as festivals and seasonal highlights in Minobu Town. Estimated travel times from shukubo to venues are also included.

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⚠️ Dates and content listed are subject to change. In particular,events may be canceled or postponed in case of rain or severe weather. Please be sure to check the official website of the organizer for the latest information before you go.

November 2026

Mid-November to early December 2026 (typical viewing period around Sanmon Gate)Dates are approximate

🌸 Autumn Leaves of Minobusan (Estimated Best Viewing)

Minobusan Kuonji Temple grounds, Gobyosho, and along the ropeway

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

The area around the Sanmon gate, the Gobyosho mausoleum, and the mountainsides viewed from the ropeway are dyed in red and yellow. The temple grounds in the morning light are a sight only visible to those staying at a shukubo (temple lodging).

From shukubo to the venue(Approximate distance) Matsui-bo 3 min walk / Habanobo 4 min walk / Shimanobo 12 min walk

The best viewing period varies depending on the temperature of the year. The peak of Mt. Minobu is usually best 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 - Early January 2027 (planned)Dates are approximate

✨ Nishijima Illumination

Nishimachi area, Nishijima, Minobu Town

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

This is an annual year-end illumination that has been held since 2000, with over 120,000 lights illuminating a 500-meter-long alley. The handmade decorations by local residents are a highlight.

From shukubo to the venue(Estimated from linear distance) Habanobo 40 min by car / Matsui-bo 40 min by car / Shimanobo 40 min by car

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 Recitation and Joya no Kane

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 Joya no Kane (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 shukubo (temple lodging) to the 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) ↗

January 2027

January 1 (Fri) - 3 (Sun), 2027Day 1 from 4:00 AM / Days 2 & 3 from 5:30 AM

🙏 Minobusan New Year's Prayer Service

Minobusan Kuonji Main Hall

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

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

From shukubo to the 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) ↗

February 2027

February 3 (Wed), 202713:00~

🙏 Minobusan Setsubun-e

Minobusan Kuonji Soshido

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

This is a Setsubun Buddhist service held on the day before Risshun (the first day of spring). It is a major winter event at Minobusan, bustling with bean-throwing.

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

Held on the day before Risshun

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

March 2027

Around the Spring Equinox in March 2027Dates are approximate

🌸 Diamond Fuji from Mt. Shichimen (around Spring and Autumn Equinox)

Near Keishin-in on Mt. Shichimen (requires hiking and an 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 witness "Diamond Fuji," where the sun rises from the summit of Mt. Fuji. To see this, you need to hike up the day before and stay overnight at Keishin-in.

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

Late March to early April 2027 (estimated best viewing period)Dates are approximate

🌸 Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Minobusan Kuonji Temple (estimated best viewing period)

Minobusan Kuonji Temple, in front of the Soshido and Guest Hall

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

There are two weeping cherry trees over 400 years old, located in front of the Soshido and the Guest Hall. It gets crowded during the day, so we recommend staying at a shukubo (temple lodging) and seeing them early in the morning.

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

During the peak viewing season, surrounding roads may be congested, and traffic regulations may be in place.

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

Late March 2027 (scheduled)Dates are approximate

🌸 Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival in Fujikawa Craft Park

Fujikawa Craft Park (Shimoyama, Minobu Town)

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

An event held during the weeping cherry blossom season at Fujikawa Craft Park, a large park in Minobu Town.

From shukubo to venue(Approximate 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 Hall Tourism Division) ↗

May 2027

Photo for illustration purposes

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

🙏 Minobusan Senbue

Minobusan Kuonji Main Hall

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

A memorial service held at the Main Hall. This is an opportunity to visit Minobusan during the season of fresh greenery.

From shukubo 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) ↗

Mid to late May 2027 (scheduled)Dates are approximate

🌸 Fujikawa Craft Park Rose Festival

Fujikawa Craft Park (Shimoyama, Minobu Town)

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

This event takes place when the rose garden at Fujikawa Craft Park is in full bloom.

From shukubo to the venue(Approximate distance) Habanobo 15 min by car / Matsui-bo 15 min by car / Shimanobo 15 min by car

Held from May 9th to 31st in 2026

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

June 2027

Photo for illustrative purposes

June 15 (Tue) - 17 (Thu), 2027

🙏 Minobusan Kaiso-e

Minobusan Kuonji Temple Main Hall and Former Hermitage Site

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

This is a memorial service commemorating the opening of a hermitage by Saint Nichiren on Mt. Minobu. On the final day, a memorial service is held at the site of the hermitage where the saint lived.

From shukubo to the venue(Approximate distance) Matsui-bo 3 min walk / Habanobo 4 min walk / Shimanobo 12 min walk

On the 17th, a memorial service will be held at the Former Hermitage Site from 11:00 AM.

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

August 2027

Early August 2027 (planned)Dates are approximate

🎆 Shimobe Onsenkyo Shukuhanabi

Shimobe Onsenkyo Riverside Park (Kaminohira, Minobu Town)

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

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

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

August 10, 2026, from 8:00 PM for approximately 30 minutes, about 800 fireworks (event 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

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

Recommended ★★★☆☆Solo travelers, groupsGuidance primarily in Japanese

This is a grand festival held at Keishin-in, near the summit of Mt. Shichimen. It takes 4-5 hours of climbing from the trailhead 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 Mt. Shichimen Keishin-in (requires mountain 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 the summit of Mt. Fuji. To see it, you need to climb 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 Soshu Goshiki / Mando Gyoretsu

Minobusan Kuonji / Monzen-machi Street

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

This is the largest Buddhist service at Mt. Minobu, commemorating the death anniversary of Saint Nichiren. On the evening of October 12th, a procession carrying flower-decorated Mando lanterns and beating uchiwa daiko drums while chanting "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" ascends from the main gate through the temple town to the main hall.

If you stay at a shukubo (temple lodging), you can walk back after watching the evening procession.

From shukubo to the 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) ↗

Last updated: 2026-11-01

Stay at a shukubo on Mt. Minobu

On event days, if you stay at a shukubo, you can walk to participate in evening and early morning events.

Events in Minobusan and Minobu Town

November 2026

🌸 Autumn Leaves of Minobusan (Estimated Best Viewing)

December 2026

✨ Nishijima Illumination

🙏 Minobusan Year-End Recitation and Joya no Kane

January 2027

🙏 Minobusan New Year's Prayer Service

February 2027

🙏 Minobusan Setsubun-e

March 2027

🌸 Diamond Fuji from Mt. Shichimen (around Spring and Autumn Equinox)

🌸 Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Minobusan Kuonji Temple (estimated best viewing period)

🌸 Weeping Cherry Blossom Festival in Fujikawa Craft Park

May 2027

🙏 Minobusan Senbue

🌸 Fujikawa Craft Park Rose Festival

June 2027

🙏 Minobusan Kaiso-e

August 2027

🎆 Shimobe Onsenkyo Shukuhanabi

September 2027

🙏 Mt. Shichimen Grand Festival

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

October 2027

🙏 Minobusan Soshu Goshiki / Mando Gyoretsu

Stay at a shukubo on Mt. Minobu

Temple Hotel Shimanobo

Temple Hotel Matsui-bo

Temple Hotel Habanobo