Ushitora Gongyo is a Buddhist liturgy service conducted in Nichiren Shōshū Buddhism. The service is traditionally held at 2:30 AM at the Kyakuden building of Taisekiji Head Temple, located within the lower slopes of Mount Fuji, Japan.
The Gohonzon of Nikko Shonin inside the Dai-Kyakuden (大客殿, Grand Reception Hall) (transcribed into wood on 15 June 1706) where the ceremony is held exclusively for its Hokkeko believers from various countries participating in the 2:30AM Buddhist service. The High Priest sits opposite in the left side seat. Taisekiji Head Temple, Japan.
The rotation of the Chinese Zodiac per animal sign which indicates the Buddhist time assigned to the Ushitora service. A woodcarving at the Kushida Shinto Shrine, Fukuoka, Japan.
An image of a Buddhist goddess, Tennin riding a cloud, a form of Shoten Zenjin protector deity invoked by believers during the Ushitora service.
Tahō Fuji Dainichirenge-san Taiseki-ji , more commonly just Sōhonzan Taiseki-ji (総本山大石寺), informally known as Head Temple Taiseki-ji (大石寺), is the administrative center of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. It is located in the foothills of Mount Fuji in Kamijo, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
Taiseki-ji was founded in 1290 by Nikkō Shōnin, one of Nichiren Daishonin's senior disciples, on a land parcel donated by the pious believer Daigyo Sonrei, commonly known as Nanjo Tokimitsu (1259–1332).
The Hōandō
The Rokumanto, two Buddhist Stupas erected by 24th High Priest Nichiei Shonin (1704) and another by 67th High Priest Nikken Shonin (1994) representing Bodhisattva Visistacaritra and the 60,000 Ganges Rivers preached by Shakyamuni Buddha within the Chapter 15 of the Lotus Sutra.
Portrait of Nichiren Daishonin by Japanese artisan Kano Tsunenobu (1636—1713), now preserved at Nichiren Shoshu Honmonji Temple in Mitoyo, Kagawa prefecture. Measuring approximately 40” inches by 22” inches on silk, Edo period.
The gravestone Stupa of Lord Nanjo Tokimitsu, land donor of Taisekiji. By the Myorenji Temple.