The Flame of PrayerLights the Path to the Future

Your wishes, entrusted to the gomaki (prayer sticks),
are cast into the sacred fire by the kaihōgyōsha
(practitioners of Mt. Hiei’s most rigorous ascetic training),
as they offer their heartfelt prayers for hope and blessings.

Gomaku Hoshu (Fire Ritual)

The Great Goma of Mt. Hiei 2025 Overview

Prayers from people all over Japan and the world converge at Mt. Hiei, where kaihou Gyosha(Ascetic Practitioner) monks, including the Grand Ajari, unite.

May 24th(Sat) and 25th(Sun),

2025

Minemichi Hiroba at Sai-to of Mt. Hiei,

( in front of the statue of Dengyo Daishi)

伝教大師尊像
  • Parking is not allowed at Minemichi Hiroba.

Great Goma Ceremony Date and Time

May 24th(Sat), 2025

First Session:11:00〜

Genshin Fujinami, Grand Ajari

Head Priest of Chouju-in, Enryaku-ji Temple.
Completed the Thousand-Day Practice in 2003. Tensho era.
49th Grand Ajari since the Tensho era(16th Century).

Secound Session:13:30〜

Kogen Enami, Grand Ajari

Head Priest of Gyokushou-in, Enryaku-ji Temple.
Completed the Thousand-Day Practice in 2017.
51st Grand Ajari since the Tensho era(16th Century).

May 25th(Sun), 2025

Third Session:11:00〜

Gyosho Uehara, Grand Ajari

Head Priest of Isaki-ji, Enryaku-ji Temple.
Completed the Thousand-Day Practice in 1994.
48th Grand Ajari since the Tensho era(16th Century).

Fourth Session:13:30〜

Endo Mitsunaga, Grand Ajar

Head Priest of Daijou-in, Enryaku-ji Temple.
Completed the Thousand-Day Practice in 2008.
50th Grand Ajari since the Tensho era(16th Century).

For Visitors on the Day of the Event

A special Gomaki carved from the sacred wood of Mt. Hiei

each

5,000

yen

You can apply for special Gomaki carved from the sacred wood of Mt. Hiei at the venue. Those who apply will have the Gomaki handed directly to the presiding Dai-Ajari, receive a personal blessing, and have the prayer ritual performed by the Kaihou Gyosha(Ascetic Practitioners).
※100 for each day

Limited to 100 pieces, available only on the day. Special Omamori Amulet

Gomaki

Wish

1,000

yen

kaihogyo monks will offer prayers to the Goma flames, dedicating each of your wishes.
You can apply on the day of the event at the reception desk or directly at the venue.

護摩木

Those who apply for Gomaki will receive a commemorative card after the Great Goma Ceremony.

Prayer Bead Bracelet Workshop

A workshop for creating a bracelet of prayer beads using sacred wood from Mt. Hiei will be held at the venue. The prayer beads you make will be blessed by a Grand Ajari.

腕輪念珠

Exclusive Goshuin Stamp for the Great Goma of Mt. Hiei

each

500

yen

A special Goshuin stamp for the Great Goma of Mt. Hiei will be available exclusively at the venue during the event period.
※400 limited (200 for each day)

Limited to 200 pieces, available only on the day

Access Information

Access by Car

Parking is not allowed at the venue's Mine Road Plaza. Please park at the East Pagoda Parking Lot 1, 2, Yokogawa Parking Lot, and West Pagoda Parking Lot and use the shuttle bus within the mountain.

From the Osaka and Nagoya Areas

From the Meishin kyoto Higashi Interchange, take the Nishi-Otsu Bypass. From the Omi-Jingu Ramp, follow the Shimogamo-Otsu Line (Yamanaka koshi) to the Hieizan Driveway Tanotani Pass Gate.

From kyoto City

From kita-Shirakawa Bettou-cho, take Shimogamo-Otsu Line to Hieizan Driveway Tanotanitoge Gate.

From the Biwako Ohashi Bridge

From Prefectural Road 558 Ohgi Exit or the kosai Road Ohgi-Ogoto Interchange, take the Oku-Hiei Driveway to the Ohgi Gate.

Click here for access to Mt. Hiei

Access by Public Transportation

From kyoto City

  • From major stations (JR kyoto, keihan Railway Sanjo, and Demachiyanagi), take the direct bus to Hieizan, which stops at Todo and the summit of Mt. Hiei (approximately a 65-70 minute ride).
  • Take the Eizan Railway from Demachiyanagi Station to Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, then transfer to the Eizan Cable Car and Ropeway to reach the summit of Mt. Hiei.

From Otsu or Sakamoto

FFrom JR Hieizan Sakamoto Station or keihan Railway Sakamoto Hieizan-guchi Station, take the kojaku Bus to Cable Sakamoto Station. Transfer to the Sakamoto Cable and ride to Cable Enryakuji Station, then walk to the Todo area.

GomakiApplication

UntilMay 9, 2025