Star Festival (Hoshi Kuyo-e)

Star Festival (Hoshi Kuyo-e)

On the day of the winter solstice, the "Star Festival (Hoshi Kuyo-e)" is held in the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. The Star Festival is a traditional event in which offerings are made to one's honmyo-sei (natal star) and toshi-sei (star of the current year), which are believed to govern each person's fate, and prayers are offered for good health and protection from misfortune.

The winter solstice is regarded as the day with the shortest daylight and the longest night of the year, and since ancient times it has been valued as a special turning point when yin shifts to yang. Senso-ji also holds this service to coincide with the day, and many worshippers give thanks for a safe year and pray for good health in the coming year.

Even amid the bustle of the year's end, the temple grounds are filled with a quiet and solemn atmosphere. Along with the customs of yuzu baths and pumpkin on the winter solstice, it is cherished as a traditional Japanese seasonal event.