Discover the Mystical World of Shugendō at EXPO! July 2 (Wed) – July 6 (Sun), 2025
Come face-to-face with one of Japan’s most spiritual rituals — the “Meidō Goma” prayer ceremony by monks from Inunakisan Shipporyu-ji, a sacred mountain temple in Izumisano City.
This special experience will take place twice daily at the EXPO Messe “WASSE” venue during the 3rd International Art Festival, held in conjunction with Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
🔥 What Is “Meidō Goma”? (Ritual Prayer Ceremony)
This traditional Shugendō ritual is performed by mountain monks to pray for good fortune and purification.
🕒 Time: Daily at 11:00 & 15:00 (Approx. 40 min each)
🎟️ Free Admission / Open Viewing
🙏 Want to participate? You can join the ritual as a prayer guest (limited slots).
🍚 During the ceremony, worshippers offer washed rice into a sacred pot while silently making a wish — a unique and solemn act of devotion.
Note: Instead of fire, a special ceremonial pot is used to receive the rice offerings.
🧡 “1,000 Wishes” Goma Project
Write your wish on a Goma prayer stick (free of charge) and dedicate it at the venue.
All collected sticks will later be burned in a sacred fire ritual at Inunakisan during the Shichifukujin Saitō Goma Ceremony in autumn.
Goma sticks are sacred wooden offerings. Writing your name and wish on them is believed to bring blessings when used in rituals.
🎁 Free Local Gifts from Izumisano
Enjoy a taste of local hospitality with free giveaways of local specialties!
(Limited quantities available.)
📍Event Information
🗓️ Date: July 2 (Wed) – July 6 (Sun), 2025
📍 Venue: Izumisano Booth (C-03), EXPO Messe “WASSE”
🚪 Nearest Gate: West Gate is recommended
🚕 Access: Approx. 10 minutes by taxi from Cosmo Square Station
(Note: East Gate is about a 25-minute walk.)
🏞 Extend Your Journey to Inunakisan
Just one hour from Osaka City, Inunakisan Shipporyu-ji offers peaceful forests, sacred waterfalls, and healing hot springs.
A perfect retreat for mind, body, and spirit.
👉 Learn more:
Inunakisan Shipporyu-ji | Kokotabi Izumisano Official Site
🗺️ Suggested Route: “Spiritual Power Spots and Hot Springs” — Explore Japan’s Oldest Sacred Mountain
