[NEWS] Beyond the 'Insta-worthy' Appeal: The Birthplace of Flower Chōzu Attempts a New Experience

Yanagidani Kannon Yōkoku-ji Temple, located in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, is known as the birthplace of "Hanamizu (flower chōzu)," a practice that has now spread nationwide.

The temple is updating Hanamizu, which has been a symbol of "Insta-worthiness" for temple visits and previously considered "something to be admired," into a new participatory ritual experience where visitors can "participate" and "create."

**From Sunday, May 3, 2026, to Wednesday, May 6, during the Golden Week period, the "Hanamizu Matsuri" will be held, blending tradition and contemporary sensibilities. This festival will feature experiences such as choosing your favorite flowers to float, and a "Hana Kuyō (Flower Memorial Service)" for departed loved ones, ancestors, and beloved pets, where you can float water stupas.**

This new initiative stems from the chief priest's desire to deepen the engagement with "Hanamizu," which has been a source of spiritual comfort for visitors, and "memorial services," which are the temple's original purpose.

■ 3 New Topics to Watch!

**1. From "Viewing" to "Creating": "Hanamizu Creation" & Photo Contest to Add Your Own Colors**

This participatory memorial service takes a step beyond the style of simply admiring the beautiful Hanamizu, making each visitor the star.

For those who apply for the memorial service, upon entry, they will be presented with a water stupa and invited to choose one flower at the temple gate to float on the surface of the Hanamizu spot in front of the Amida-dō. (Flowers are limited and will be available until supplies last).

Enjoy the "co-created art" where the tranquility of floating flowers with wishes deepens, and the thoughts of all visitors overlap, changing its appearance moment by moment. Additionally, the temple grounds will feature "Kaen no Wa (Circle of Flower Bonds)," adorned with colorful seasonal flowers in an arch shape.

**A photo contest will also be held during the period. You can participate by posting on SNS with the hashtag "#柳谷観音花手水まつり."**

**Photo Contest Overview**

**Post on Instagram with "#柳谷観音花手水まつり" along with your event photos between May 3rd and May 6th. Winners will receive prizes.**

* We will contact winners via Instagram DM to arrange prize delivery. Please check your message reception settings.
**Period: May 3 - May 6**
**Aggregation Period: May 7 - May 17**
**Announcement Period: Live announcement on Instagram on May 18 (Sun)**

**2. Pets are Family: "Pet Memorial Service" to Turn Tears into Healing, and "Hana Kuyō" to Reflect on Departed Loved Ones and Ancestors**

In recent years, there has been an increasing and earnest desire to honor pets as cherished family members.

As one of the "few temples that can be visited with dogs," Yōkoku-ji Temple is highly trusted by pet lovers nationwide. At the "Pet Perpetual Memorial," the temple conducts joint memorial services by monks three times a year, and the temple manages the grave eternally.

A new form of memorial service begins here, a place that has equally cherished animals, by offering "Pet Goshuin" year-round and accommodating requests for memorial services with pets.

Inspired by the desire to create an offering unique to this place, reminiscent of the lantern floating ceremony held during Obon, it is realized in the form of "Hana Kuyō."

It was born from the desire to honor departures amidst gorgeous flowers, much like the "Hanamatsuri" that celebrates Buddha's birthday in spring.

In this event, "Hana Kuyō" will be specially conducted not only for ancestors but also for pets. The time spent flowing water stupas with flowers and thoughts, and quietly praying, will gently melt away the grief of pet loss and provide a serene moment to move forward. A memorial service will be held daily at 4 PM during the period.

**Visits with Pets Also Welcome**

On event days, pets are welcome to accompany visitors (outdoors only; entry into buildings is prohibited).

This will be a precious opportunity to feel the connection of life, by spending time with your current family and reflecting on those who have passed.

* For pet companions, an additional admission fee of 500 yen per pet is required.

**The year-round Pet Goshuin comes in two types: one for those who currently have pets and one with a message for pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.**

**The temple actively works to connect people and animals by offering pet blessings and Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, as well as occasional pet health prayers.**

**3. Abundant Goshuin Also Specially Designed for the Festival!**

**Choose Your Flowers! Choose Your Chōzu! Limited-Time "Pressed Flower Goshuin Making" "MY Hanamizu Kit"**

Limited-edition Goshuin for the Hanamizu Matsuri period will also be awarded.

The one-sided "Hanamizu Matsuri Goshuin," where pressed flower seals are applied to the awarded Goshuin, will be available for all four days of the event. (Photos 1 & 2).

Additionally, the double-sided, spread "Pressed Flower Goshuin Making" kit, allowing you to choose your favorite flowers and chōzu, will be awarded for one day only on May 4th. (Photos 3 & 4).

The "Pressed Flower Goshuin Making" (double-sided, as shown in Photos 3 & 4), a perennial favorite representing Yōkoku-ji Temple, allows visitors to enjoy the handmade pleasure of decorating the Goshuin themselves with accompanying pressed flower seals.

Normally, it can be made with seasonal flowers included in the kit, but on May 4th, you can choose your favorite chōzu design and decorate it with as many flowers as you like.

**Two types of magnificent four-panel special Goshuin will be awarded.**

At the Amida-dō, two types of four-panel spread Goshuin, "Myakumyaku Chōzu Goshuin" and "Miyako Odori Goshuin," will be specially inscribed on May 3rd. Note that May 3rd is the final reception day for the "Miyako Odori Goshuin." Those who wish to purchase it should do so soon!