| DATE: | February 2-4, 2007 | |
| PLACE: | Mibu-dera Temple, Bojou Dori Bukkoji Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto |
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| DIRECTION: | City Bus #26 to Mibudera Michi | |
| TEL: | 81-75-841-3381 | |
| ADMISSION: | Free | |
| TEXT: | Mibu-dera Temple belongs to the Risshu sect of Buddhism and is dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha) founded in 991 by Priest Kaiken of Onjo (Mii) Temple. Mibu-dera Temple is famous for its Mibu-Kyogen, a traditional performance established by Engaku Shonin, who restored the shrine during the Kamakura period (1192-1333). The temple is also known for its association with the samurai group Shinsengumi. Mibu-Kyogen is performed during the Setsubun-e ceremony. A short comical play titled Setsubun featuring a bean-throwing ceremony is also performed on this day to drive away demons and attract good fortune. The play is performed eight times a day every hour between 13:00 and 20:00 on February 2 and 3. In the temple grounds, visitors write the age and gender of family and friends on clay plates known as horaku. These are dedicated to the temple for protection against bad luck. Visitors can also enjoy various other events, such as Oneri-kuyo (procession of mountain priests) and Ogoma-kuyo (holy fire invocation rite). Lucky sweat-bean soup known as zenzai is on sale. |