Joshoji Temple (Kyoto)

Joshoji is known for the Yoshino Gate, donated by the courtesan Yoshino Tayu of Shimabara. In the grounds stands a joint memorial to Yoshino Tayu and the wealthy merchant Haiya Joeki. On the second Sunday of April each year the temple holds its flower memorial service, and the events — a Shimabara tayu procession staged against the three peaks of Takagamine, and an open-air tea gathering served by a tayu herself — draw large crowds. Prayers of many kinds are offered here, notably memorial rites for obi and kimono at the sash mound, prayers for progress in the arts in Yoshino Tayu's example, prayers for children before Kishimojin, and prayers for study and examination success.