The "Twenty-Five Bodhisattva Procession Ceremony," depicting Bodhisattvas appearing in this world to lead people to the Pure Land, was held at Sokujo-in Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, on the afternoon of October 19, 2025. When the Bodhisattvas, wearing golden masks and glittering attire, appeared, the temple grounds were enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
In the main hall, 25 Bodhisattvas are arranged around a seated statue of Amida Buddha, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property created during the Heian period, said to represent the idea of welcoming the dead in three dimensions. During the procession, the main hall represents the afterlife and the Jizo hall represents the present world, and a wooden "Gokuraku Bridge" measuring approximately 60 meters in length and 2 meters in height connects the two halls, with the procession traveling back and forth between them.
The maple leaves within the temple grounds were just beginning to change color on this day, and the weather was pleasant.
The procession began at 1 p.m., with young children and monks scattering flowers as they walked to the sounds of flutes, sho, conch shells, and chants. Next, 25 Bodhisattvas, led by Jizo Bodhisattva and Kannon Bodhisattva, made their way back and forth across the bridge. Worshippers were awed by the golden-masked Bodhisattvas who appeared one after another, but they also clasped their hands together and took photos.
The procession concluded with three Bodhisattvas performing a dance in front of Amida Buddha in the main hall. The dance is said to carry the souls of those who have departed for the Pure Land.
The procession was registered as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Kyoto City in March of this year. It is held every year on the third Sunday of October.
