Buddhist sermon 報恩講

Tōkushōji 徳性寺, a Jōdoshin sect temple, is located in Kaga City, Ishikawa prefecture. The following images show the annual hōonkō 報恩講 (Buddhist sermon lecture).

The temple gate decorated with paper lanterns.

Wheeled walkers parked in the garden.

Opening the door to the main hall.

A row of offering baskets handcrafted from plastic colanders and bamboo rods.

Collecting offerings.

The priest guest lecturer gives his sermon.

Shōjinryōri 精進料理, no meat or fish.

Banquet.

Behind the scenes, cooking and cleanup in the kitchen.

Refreshment flotilla 飲み物天国

A refreshment stand.

Repose for Tea Whisks 茶筅供養

Bamboo tea whisks, known as chasen 茶筅, are delicately crafted tools which produce many a fine cup of tea. On occasion, memorial services are given to those whisks who have retired from service.  In Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture on June 4, 2010,  I witnessed as a small group of devotees to the art of making tea bid farewell to their whisks which were sent off through a ritual burning.

A sign announces the memorial service for tea whisks.

Rice cracker shop 煎餅の店

Rice cracker shop in Tokyo.

A night when it poured down 激しく降る夜

Steamed dumplings 国分町の饅頭

Noodle shop 蕎麦屋

Sake shop in winter 冬の酒屋

A sake shop in Takayama City, Gifu prefecture. The two round balls hanging under the eaves are called sugitama/sugidama 杉玉, meaning cedar balls. They signal that newly brewed sake is available (in the case of the fresh, green colored globe) and that the sake has matured (in the case of the older browned globe).

River Fish Trap 川魚の仕掛け（新井田川）

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Delicious うまい

Painting hanging on the wall of a yakiniku (barbeque) restaurant.

Kyoto Meat Shop 京都の肉屋

Hedge car 珍百景の車

Signs that winter is now upon us 冬の兆し

Persimmons being dried under the eaves　軒に干し柿が吊るしてある