Niigata · JP

Komyoin Yakushido

Komyoin Yakushido, affectionately known as "Kitsu no O-Yakushi-san," is a Shingon Daigo-school temple in the quiet rural district of Kitsu, in Niigata's Konan Ward. Centered on a city-designated National Cultural Property—a secret Medicine Buddha statue attributed to the legendary Nara-period monk Gyōki—the temple draws worshippers seeking healing, especially for eye ailments, and pulses with life during its spectacular midsummer fire-walking festival. Visitors can explore the grounds year-round free of charge, collect a goshuin temple stamp, join a monthly fire ritual, or try sutra copying. The highlight for many is July 28, when the Kitsu Yakushi Fire Festival transforms the temple into a scene of blazing embers, chanting monks, and barefoot pilgrims crossing the fire.