Goku-den Susuharai & Goku-den Kaihi Hoyo (Sacred Shrine Cleaning and Door-Opening Ceremony)

Goku-den Susuharai & Goku-den Kaihi Hoyo (Sacred Shrine Cleaning and Door-Opening Ceremony)

On December 12 and 13, Senso-ji Temple will hold the "Gokuden Susuharai" (soot-sweeping of the sacred shrine) and the "Gokuden Kaihi Hoyo" (door-opening ceremony) in the Main Hall. The Gokuden is the shrine (zushi) that enshrines the principal image. The soot-sweeping, which removes and purifies the dirt of the past year, is an important preparatory event for welcoming the New Year.

After the soot-sweeping, the door-opening ceremony is held to open the doors of the Gokuden, and the solemn interior sanctuary, which is normally not visible, is specially opened to view.

Handed down since ancient times as a seasonal feature of December, this event symbolizes the pure state of mind with which Senso-ji welcomes the new year. When visiting Asakusa at the end of the year, be sure to take note of this special ceremony as well.