Hyuga Yakushi Spring Annual Festival On Monday, April 15 Selected as one of Kanagawa’s Top 50 Festivals It is the most grand and solemn event of the year, This year’s final unveiling of the hidden principal image, the iron-axe carved Yakushi triad, took place Sacred tree climbing (shigi nobori) and a fire-walking ritual were also performed. Blessed with good weather, the festival drew many worshippers. A tea ceremony by the Urasenke school, led by the Iwata Soubun group, was also busy on the temple grounds. One of Japan’s Three Yakushi Temples, Hyuga Yakushi Hojobo (1644 Hyuga, Isehara City) Niomon Gate Located near the entrance to the main approach, two Kongorikishi guardian statues stand there in a protective stance: the open-mouthed Agyo and the closed-mouthed Ungyo, preventing enemies of the Buddha from entering the temple. Treasure Hall Housing the principal image and a collection of cultural properties that includes eight items designated by the national government and two designated by the prefecture, the national designations alone total 23 Buddhist statues enshrined together. There is no other example in eastern Japan where so many designated cultural properties are kept in one place. (Admission to the Treasure Hall: Adults 300 yen, Middle and High School Students 200 yen, Elementary School Students 100 yen) Be sure to see the powerful presence of these Buddhist statues.