August 4th Annual Event
Funazenjyo
Boat Zen Pilgrimage
Every year on August 4, from 10:00 AM — advance application required
About the Event
Funazenjo is a traditional event rooted in the story of Priest Shodo (737–817), who opened Nikkozan and crossed Lake Chuzenji by boat to venerate the sacred Mt. Nantai from the water. Every year on August 4, participants retrace by boat the ascetic path he once carved out across Lake Chuzenji. Taking in the views of Mt. Nantai and Chuzenji from the lake, it is a special experience reflecting on over 1,200 years of history — a unique route departing from Utagahama, circling past various sites toward the Senju-do Hall, and returning.
Date
August 4 (annual)
Start Time
From 10:00 AM
Participation
Advance application required
Participation Fee
¥5,000 (¥4,000 for children)
Schedule
- 19:00
Reception Opens
- 210:00
Opening Ceremony
Remarks by the officiant and the head priest of Ritsu-in.
- 310:15
Fudo Myo-o Prayer at the Stone Goma Altar
- 410:20
Memorial Service for the Shoreline Jizo
- 510:30
Departure from Utagahama
Sutras are chanted while visiting sites once visited by Priest Shodo and his disciples on their pilgrimage.
- 610:45
Memorial Service at the Site of Yakushido Hall, Terugasaki, Hatcho Peninsula
Sutra recitation service.
- 711:00
Site of Nichirin-ji Temple, Matsuzaki
Sutra recitation service.
- 811:15
Ueno-jima Island
Memorial service at the graves of Priest Shodo and Great Priest Tenkai.
- 911:30
Dainichizaki: Worship from aboard the boat
As landing is not possible here, sutras are chanted while remaining aboard the boat.
- 1011:50
Arrival at Senjugahama Pier
Disembark and proceed to Senju-do Hall.
- 1112:10
Memorial Service at Senju-do Hall, Senjugahama
- 1212:50
Fudo Myo-o Memorial Service, Senjugahama
- 1313:30
Board the Boat at Senjugahama Pier bound for Tachiki Kannon
Lunch is served aboard the boat.
- 1413:45
Remote Worship of Futarasan Shrine
- 1514:15
Arrival at Tachiki Kannon Pier, Disembark
- 1614:30
Visit to the Main Hall
- 1714:45
Visit Godaido Hall; Ofuda Talismans Distributed at Daikokuten Hall
Boat Zenjo Route Map
Event Highlights
Before You Participate
Advance application is required. Applications close once capacity is reached, so please apply early.
The participation fee is ¥5,000 for adults (junior high school age and older, ofuda included) and ¥4,000 for children (elementary school age and younger, ofuda included). If you do not attend in person on the day, an ofuda-only fee of ¥3,000 applies. Payment is accepted on the day, on site.
Please wear clothing you can move in easily and that can get wet. Temperatures on the lake can be cool, so please bring something to layer on top.
Content may change or be cancelled depending on weather and conditions. Please call for details.
Boat Zenjo Registration
Registration will close once capacity is reached.
A prayer talisman is included. Payment is due on-site on the day.