Written by Aarohi
Kinpusen-ji’s Frog and Lotus Festival is one of the temple’s three major annual events, rooted in over 1,000 years of tradition.
What happens?
On July 7 each year, monks offer pristine lotus flowers from Benten Pond (said to be where the mountain hermit Enno Gyoja bathed as an infant) to Zao Gongen. The Kawaazu ceremony features a ceremonial drum platform carrying a giant blue frog, which transforms into human form through ritual.
Kinpusen-ji is a sacred mountain temple founded over 1,300 years ago, the headquarters of the Kinpusan Shugendo sect. Perched in the Yoshino mountains, it is one of Japan’s most important pilgrimage destinations, famous for cherry blossoms and its role in mountain ascetic Buddhism.
Schedule 2026
The main festival date each year is July 7.
- 10 a.m.: Lotus-picking ritual
- 12:30 p.m.: Frog drum platform departs from Chikurin-in Temple entrance
- 3 p.m.: Procession departs from Shimosenbonzon
- 4 p.m.: Rengekai and Kawaazu ritual ceremony at Zao Hall
- 5 p.m.: Fire offering ceremony at Zao Hall grounds
How to get there
From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station (around 18 minutes. Walk over to Osaka-Abenobashi Station, then take the Kintetsu-Minamiosaka Line to Yoshino Station (around 60 minutes). To access the temple, take the cable car up. The entire journey takes around 2.5 hours.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
