What this is
The Memorial Service for the Victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake is a solemn annual ceremony held at Koyasan, the sacred mountain complex of Shingon Buddhism in Wakayama Prefecture. The Great Kanto Earthquake struck on September 1, 1923, killing an estimated 105,000 people in the Tokyo-Yokohama region in one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Koyasan, as Japan's most revered Buddhist mortuary and memorial site, has long served as a place of prayer and remembrance for the dead, making it a spiritually fitting location for such a commemoration. The ceremony reflects the deep connection in Japanese Buddhist tradition between the living and the deceased, and the ongoing duty to honor those lost to catastrophe.
Who should go
This event is best suited to visitors with a genuine interest in Japanese Buddhist practice, memorial culture, or the history of the 1923 earthquake and its profound impact on modern Japan. Those already visiting Koyasan's Okunoin cemetery or the wider temple complex will find this ceremony adds deep spiritual and historical resonance to their trip. The atmosphere is quiet, reverent, and contemplative — not a festival in the celebratory sense, but a meaningful ritual occasion. Dress modestly and behave respectfully, as this is a religious ceremony, not a tourist attraction.
Good to know
As this is a religious memorial ceremony at Koyasan, visitors should dress conservatively — avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and loud colors; subdued or dark clothing is appropriate. Koyasan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a working monastic community, so photography during the ceremony itself should be avoided unless explicitly permitted. The nearest accommodation is within Koyasan's shukubo (temple lodgings), which can be booked in advance through the Koyasan Tourist Association or directly with individual temples — staying overnight is highly recommended to experience the full atmosphere of the mountain. Arrive early as parking and transport on the mountain is limited; the cable car and connecting buses can become congested, especially on a nationally significant date like September 1st.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.