Jindaiji Daruma Festival

Pick up a traditional daruma wish doll from one of the more than 300 stalls on the grounds of one of Tokyo’s oldest temples.

Located in the leafy surroundings of western Tokyo, Jindai Temple is famous for its eighth-century statue of Buddha and, more recently, the array of excellent soba noodle restaurants in the area.

This centuries-old festival is held each March to commemorate Ganzan, a monk from the Heian period who was the 18th head of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.

Select a daruma and have a temple monk mark it to officially set your goal or hope for 2023.

The tour will also include lunch at a Japanese restaurant and a stroll around the nearby Jindai Botanical Gardens.

Details

• 9am–4:30pm
• Meeting point: Oedo Line street entrance at Tokyo Midtown
• Connections members: ¥5,700
• Non-Connections members & guests: ¥6,270
• Price includes lunch & entry to Jindai Botanical Gardens
• Adults only
• Connections member sign-up start: Feb 3 (10am)
• Non-Connections member & guest sign-up start: Feb 10 (10am)
• Cancellation deadline: Feb 17 (5pm)
• This tour runs rain or shine
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Organized by Connections

Tour Leaders
Connections’ tours are organized and led by a team of volunteers. Tour leaders receive no payment for their work, but they do their best to make each tour as informative and enjoyable as possible.