Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 at Shojokein Temple
Held rain or shine. Check the fees and participation requirements for individual activities.
- Dates
- Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 15 (Sun)
- Hours
- 10:00 – 16:00
- Venue
- Shojokein Temple, Head Temple of Jodo Buddhism
- Nearest station
- Demachiyanagi
- Admission
- Free admission
About this event
LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 takes place at Shojokein, a major Jodo Buddhist temple east of Kyoto Imperial Palace. The program combines a market, food trucks, music performances and lectures with special Buddhist cultural experiences. The Amida Hall will be opened for limited viewing, alongside a special display of Important Cultural Properties. Visitors can also participate in an activity involving folded paper lotus flowers. The temple's long history gives the contemporary festivities a distinctive setting. General admission is free, and the event will proceed in rainy weather. Separate participation conditions may apply to individual activities.
Highlights
- Limited opening of the Amida Hall
- Special display of Important Cultural Properties
- Paper-lotus Buddhist cultural activity
- Market, music and lectures
- Good for
- Families and visitors interested in temples, Buddhist culture, history and local markets
Good to know before you go
- General admission is free
- Some individual activities may have separate conditions
- Held rain or shine
Pochikichi's story cornerBuddhist Heritage and an Autumn Gathering at Shojokein
Shojokein is a major temple of the Jodo Buddhist school, situated east of Kyoto Imperial Palace. Its official history traces its origins to 860, when the monk Ennin established a religious hall at the request of Emperor Seiwa.
The temple later became associated with Honen, founder of the Jodo school, and moved to its present location during the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its grounds contain several halls and preserve Buddhist artworks and religious traditions.
LOTUS WEEKEND includes a limited opening of the Amida Hall, a special display of Important Cultural Properties and an activity using folded paper lotus flowers.
Markets, food trucks, music and lectures bring additional visitors into the temple. The event connects the institution's Buddhist heritage with contemporary community life.
Sources: Shojokein official Instagram announcement (Japanese, supplied caption), Shojokein official history (Japanese), Historical Place Names Database: Shojokein (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 at Shojokein Temple?
- LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 takes place at Shojokein, a major Jodo Buddhist temple east of Kyoto Imperial Palace. The program combines a market, food trucks, music performances and lectures with special Buddhist cultural experiences. The Amida Hall will be opened for limited viewing, alongside a special display of Important Cultural Properties. Visitors can also participate in an activity involving folded paper lotus flowers. The temple's long history gives the contemporary festivities a distinctive setting. General admission is free, and the event will proceed in rainy weather. Separate participation conditions may apply to individual activities.
- When is LOTUS WEEKEND 2026 at Shojokein Temple?
- From Nov 14 (Sat) to Nov 15 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 10:00 – 16:00
- How much does it cost?
- Free admission
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Shojokein Temple, Head Temple of Jodo Buddhism. The nearest station is Demachiyanagi.
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