The "Rennyo Shonin Goei Dochu" began on April 17, 2025, with participants walking from Higashi Honganji (head temple of the Otani branch of the Shinshu sect) in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City to northern Fukui Prefecture, carrying a portrait of Rennyo, the founder of the Honganji Temple revival. The monks and followers set out on a journey of about 200 kilometers to Awara City, Fukui Prefecture, where Rennyo was based as a missionary base.
The Goei Dochu is said to have begun in 1752 in memory of Rennyo, who preached in the Hokuriku region. Before the start of the journey, a "Gogeko Ceremony" was held at the Amida Hall of Higashi Honganji Temple. The portrait was displayed inside the hall, and worshippers performed religious services.
The box containing the portrait was placed on a wooden platform decorated with fresh and artificial flowers, and the participants set off through the Amida Hall gate to the sound of "Rennyo Shonin, leave Higashi Honganji."
The group will pass through the Kosai region of Shiga Prefecture and is scheduled to arrive at Yoshizaki Betsuin Temple of the Shinshu Otaniha (Awara City, Fukui Prefecture) on April 23. They will then depart Yoshizaki Betsuin Temple on May 2 and return to Higashi Honganji Temple on May 9 via Kotō.
