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HANA-E-SHIKI YAKUSHI-JI
TEMPLE  Hana-e-shiki
is a Buddhist rite of praying to Yakushi, or Buddha of Medicine, the main object
of worship here, for the peace of the country, bumper crops, and happiness and
prosperity of the entire nation. This ceremony, which was called Shuni-e in the
olden times, was carried out in February every year. In the 2nd year of the Kajo
era (1107), under the reign of Emperor Horikawa, the offering of sacred flowers
was made in commemoration of his Consort's complete recovery from an illness.
This incident led to the annual event of offering artificial flowers, which is
"Hana-e-shiki," or the memorial service of flowers. This ceremony was added to
the Shuni-e rituals later, and this whole event came to be popularly called "Hana-e
shiki." The frontal part of the main hall's altar, where the main object of worship
is enshrined, is decorated with 10 kinds of artificial flowers: plums, peaches,
Japanese roses, camellias, rabbit-ear irises, lilies, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms,
wisterias and peonies. This solemn event is conducted for 7 days and on the night
of the 5th, the evil-spirit dispelling ceremony is performed.
Transportation Near
the Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station
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