Poster for the Hodoji market in Shiki City

Hodoji in Shiki City will hold their third Hodoji Market on the Emperor’s birthday, Thursday February 23rd 2023. Hodoji or Hodo Temple (also spelt Houdoji) is a popular place for tree blossoms in Shiki City. Both the plum blossoms and the cherry blossoms are well known at the temple. This market will coincide with the bloom of the plum blossoms.

Hodoji Market

According to official sources, this is the third ever market of this type at the temple. They held one of them at exactly the same time last year and it proved to be very popular. Unfortunately, I didn’t know about it before the event, but saw lots of social media posts afterward. By all accounts it was a fun day out! This year, they say it will be even bigger and ‘more powerful’ thank last year!

Apart from market stalls, there will be workshops on the day. Even children can participate in the workshops. There will be other entertainment for children too. They will also have food trucks (kitchen cars) available. In addition, there is a rakugo event. However, the rakugo event has a cover charge of 1000 yen.

Blossoms

The temple is known for its plum and cherry blossoms. Particularly, the latter. Before the pandemic, they had a light up event annually during the period of the cherry blossoms bloom. This temple also has regular yoga and calligraphy classes.

Information

Event: Hodoji Market 宝幢寺マルシェ

Date: Public Holiday Thursday February 23rd 2023

Time: 10 am to 3 pm

Cost: free access to the market area, workshops and food all have individual costs. The Rakugo event costs 1000 yen per person.

Venue: the precincts of Hodoji, 1-chōme-10 Kashiwachō, Shiki, Saitama 353-0007. View on Google Maps. (The Rakugo is performed in the ceremony hall on the grounds).

Access

The temple is about a 15 minute walk from Tobu Tojo Line’s Shiki Station. There is some parking available at the temple.

Official website

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