On December 7, 2024, which corresponds to the "Taisetsu" solar term, the "Daikodaki" ritual to pray for good health began at Senbon Shakado (Daiho'onji Temple) in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Large pots were lined up in front of the main hall, a national treasure, and piping hot radishes soaked in dashi and soy sauce were distributed to worshippers.
It is said that the tradition began when Jizen, a monk from the Kamakura period, wrote Sanskrit characters on radishes and served them to worshippers to coincide with the "Shodo-e" ceremony, where Shakyamuni attained enlightenment. The current head priest, Kikuiri Ryonyo, also hand-wrote Sanskrit characters on all 5,000 radishes used in the daikondaki, and believers simmered them in 10 large pots over the course of two days.
It was chilly in Kyoto City that day, with temperatures not even reaching 10 degrees even at 9 a.m., but many worshippers came to the temple to munch on steaming radish and fried tofu. A 67-year-old man who comes with his wife to eat every year said, "The flavor is so rich and delicious. When I eat this, I feel like the year is almost over."
Available until December 8th. From 10 a.m. 1,000 yen per bowl.
