William The original Honmyoji temple was built in 1585 in Osaka to console the spirit of the father of Katō Kiyomasa, who moved it to Kumamoto Castle in 1600. Following his death on July 24, 1611 and burial on Mount Nakao, the temple was moved there in 1614, followed by numerous other temples lining the many steps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honmy%C5%8D-ji To mourn the first anniversary of Kiyomasa’s death, it is said that the 69,384 characters of the Lotus Sutra were copied in a single night on July 23 by the temple’s 3rd head, Nichiyojin, which was called the Tonsya-e (頓写経), literally, “a sutra copied in an instant”. In commemoration of this feat, a festival is held that date called Tonsya-kai (頓写会); the stairs are lined with lanterns. Following a hiatus due to corona, it will be held again this Sunday, the 23rd, between 7:00 and 11:30. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Departure of Tonsha-no-kyo procession 8:00 p.m. Tonsha-e large memorial service Houraku Kaji prayer 9:30 p.m. Wake sermon There are many steps, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water - and a camera! We’d love to receive your photos and will post all contributed to us. Official site: http://www.honmyouji.jp/topic.html