Continuing a tradition dating back more than 500 years, hundreds of people took part in the annual year-end cleanup at Kyoto’s two major Buddhist temples.
A ritual to prepare for the new year is held at Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganji temples on December 20th every year.
About 200 people, including worshipers from all over the country and local middle and high school students, attended Higashi Honganji Temple in Shimogyo Ward.
They lined up inside Goeido Hall, an important cultural property, and pounded the tatami mats with bamboo sticks to remove the dust that had accumulated over the past year.