#Japan #Tokyo #Taisho University #Flower Festival #Sugamo Oda

The 12th Sugamo Oda Flower Festival

Taisho University, situated in Toshima, Tokyo, will host the 12th Sugamo Oda Flower Festival from May 10 (Saturday) to May 16 (Friday), 2025. This delightful annual event celebrates the birth of Buddha, known as Hanamatsuri, and seeks to adorn the campus and surrounding areas with a vibrant array of seasonal flowers, adding beauty to the streets of Sugamo.

On May 14 (Wednesday), a significant event, the Hanamatsuri Ceremony, will occur at the iconic Oda Sazaedo. This ceremony is led by faculty and students belonging to the Jodo sect, who will come together with the locals to wish for happiness and seek blessings from the principal deity of the Oda Sazaedo, the Kannon (Sugamo Oda Kannon). Attendees can also participate in a rubbing experience of Buddhist art and witness students create traditional goshuin, or temple stamps, as part of the event’s offerings.

The university actively promotes the revival of the history and culture associated with Taneya Street, a location that flourished with seed shops from the Edo period to before World War II. The Sugamo Oda Flower Festival is a part of these efforts that aim to enhance regional identity and contribute to boosting the area's appeal through the historical remembrance, centered around floral presentations.

Key Highlights

1. Annual Celebration of Buddha’s Birth: The Sugamo Oda Flower Festival, held annually at Taisho University, features floral displays that beautify both the university grounds and the nearby community.
2. Reviving the Memory of Taneya Street: This festival contributes to fostering local identity and enhancing regional allure through the revival of memories associated with the historic Taneya Street.
3. May 14 Events: The day includes the Hanamatsuri Ceremony, a rubbing experience, and the creation of traditional goshuin by university students.

More About Oda Sazaedo

The Oda Sazaedo, officially known as the Sugamo Oda Kannon, was established in 2013 and is characterized by its unique octagonal and three-tiered design. Its double helical staircase, which allows visitors to ascend and descend without crossing paths, gives rise to its name, likening it to a conch shell. As a rare structure remaining from the Edo period, Oda Sazaedo is a significant symbol of Taisho University and holds a unique place in Japanese architectural history.
Oda Sazaedo Official Site

Details of the Event

Dates: May 10 (Saturday) - May 16 (Friday), 2025
Floral Display Locations:

• - Taisho University Campus (Including Oda Sazaedo and surrounding areas)
• - Koshinzuka Shoei-kai Flower Pots

Viewing Hours:

• - Oda Sazaedo: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• - Oda Sazaedo Front Square and South Gate Plaza: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday-Saturday) and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Sunday)
• - Koshinzuka Shoei-kai Flower Pots: No time restrictions.

Additional Information:
On May 14 (Wednesday), the Hanamatsuri Ceremony will be held alongside other activities such as the rubbing experience and goshuin creation.

• - Hanamatsuri Ceremony: 12:40 - 1:00 PM at Oda Sazaedo
• - Rubbing Experience: 1:30 - 3:00 PM (1st floor of Building 5)
• - Goshuin Creation: 12:00 - 3:00 PM (Azumaya at the South Gate)

Participants in the Hanamatsuri Ceremony will receive a flower as a memento (limited to the first 50 attendees). In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to Building 3.

Join us to experience the beauty of flowers and the cultural heritage of Sugamo, bringing together community spirit and the celebration of nature!