![\"Gokurakuji](\"https:\/\/kamakuraguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/busshoe_ig_en.jpg\")
Dates and Times<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The unveiling of the principal image and visits to the main hall usually run from 11:00 to 16:00 on April 7 and from 10:00 to 16:00 on April 8, with reception opening at 10:00 on both days. The special visit to the Ninsho Bosatsu Gobyo (\u5fcd\u6027\u83e9\u85a9\u5fa1\u5edf), Ninsho’s mausoleum, follows the same hours. On April 8, the Kanbutsu-e (\u704c\u4ecf\u4f1a) ceremony is held from 10:00 to 16:00, and sweet tea (amacha, \u7518\u8336) is served from 10:00 until about 15:00, while supplies last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlights: The Hidden Buddha and the Ten Great Disciples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The principal image is a standing Shaka Buddha modeled on the Shaka statue handed down at Seiryoji Temple (\u6e05\u51c9\u5bfa) in Kyoto (\u4eac\u90fd), and it is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. In the treasure hall where it is enshrined (\u8ee2\u6cd5\u8f2a\u6bbf), you can also see the standing statues of the Ten Great Disciples (\u5341\u5927\u5f1f\u5b50\u7acb\u50cf), which were made as attendants to the principal image. They were carved in 1268, soon after Ninsho came to Gokurakuji, and are also Important Cultural Properties. All ten have inlaid crystal eyes (gyokugan, \u7389\u773c), and each figure differs in expression, hand gesture and posture. In the main hall you can pay respects to seated statues of the founder Ninsho and of his teacher Eison (\u53e1\u5c0a), known as Kosho Bosatsu (\u8208\u6b63\u83e9\u85a9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlights: Offering Incense at Three Places<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Instead of paying an admission fee, visitors buy a small packet of sandalwood incense at the reception and burn it at three incense burners around the temple as they make their rounds. The reception is set up in front of the treasure hall, and incense is offered at the treasure hall, the main hall and Ninsho’s tomb pagoda. In recent years the packet has cost 1,000 yen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlights: Ninsho’s Tomb Pagoda in the Okunoin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To reach Ninsho’s tomb pagoda, you leave the temple grounds from behind the main hall and walk a few minutes past houses and alongside an elementary school playground to the Okunoin. The tomb is a large stone gorinto (\u4e94\u8f2a\u5854), a five-tiered pagoda, and is an Important Cultural Property. The site and the temple grounds together form the national Historic Site “Gokurakuji Precinct and Ninsho’s Tomb” (\u6975\u697d\u5bfa<\/a>\u5883\u5185\u30fb\u5fcd\u6027\u5893). On April 8 a memorial service is held in front of the pagoda, and visitors join in chanting the sutras. If it rains, the service is held in the main hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Kanbutsu-e on April 8, a small flower-decked shrine called a hanamido (\u82b1\u5fa1\u5802) is placed in front of the main hall, and visitors pour sweet tea over the statue of the infant Buddha (\u8a95\u751f\u4ecf) inside to celebrate his birth. Sweet tea is also served to visitors. On the afternoons of both days, paid lectures by invited speakers are held. Places are limited and the way to apply changes from year to year, so check that year’s announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The temple does not permit photography of its Buddhist statues or of Ninsho’s tomb pagoda, and photography is not allowed in the Okunoin. Around 10:00, when the unveiling begins, people line up at the reception. Gokurakuji has no parking. The principal image cannot be seen during the treasure hall’s regular spring and autumn openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The temple is just a short walk from Gokurakuji Station (\u6975\u697d\u5bfa<\/a>\u99c5) on the Enoden (\u6c5f\u30ce\u96fb). If you stay at Toshi’s Place, take the Enoden from Hase (\u9577\u8c37) or Wadazuka (\u548c\u7530\u585a) to Gokurakuji Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Busshoe at Gokurakuji Temple is the only time of year you can see the hidden principal image and the Ten Great Disciples and visit the main hall and Ninsho’s tomb pagoda, for just two days. The temple’s history and highlights are introduced on our Gokurakuji Temple<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHighlights: Kanbutsu-e and Sweet Tea on April 8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Visiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Access: Visiting During Your Stay at Toshi’s Place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Basic Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n