6.1 Flow of Yakubarai (Bad Luck Purification) at Nakayama-dera & Age Reference Guide
Nakayama-dera is widely known not only for prayers for safe childbirth but also for yakubarai (purification rites to ward off bad luck).
Throughout the year, many visitors come seeking prayers to dispel misfortune and invite good fortune under the protection of Kannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion).
🔸What is Yakubarai?
“Yakudoshi” (unlucky years) are considered turning points in life when physical conditions and life circumstances are more likely to change.
At Nakayama-dera, special purification prayers are performed to help individuals pass through these uncertain periods safely, invoking Kannon’s protection.
💬 Those who receive the purification prayer will be granted an ofuda (sacred talisman) and an omamori (amulet).
At home, these should be placed on a household altar or in a clean, respectful space.
🔸Reception & Process
・Reception: Prayer Reception Desk next to the Main Hall
・Hours: 9:00 AM – around 3:30 PM
・Fee: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000 (varies depending on prayer type and talisman)
・Duration: approx. 20–30 minutes
🔸Flow of the Ritual
1.Fill out an application form at the reception desk (name, date of birth, prayer request, etc.)
2.Pay the prayer fee and receive a numbered ticket
3.Attend the prayer ceremony in the Main Hall (sutra chanting and ritual conducted by monks)
4.Receive your ofuda and omamori
Many people choose to undergo yakubarai at the beginning of the year (January–February), and the period before Setsubun tends to be crowded.
※ Ages are counted using the traditional kazoedoshi system (counting age starting from 1 at birth)
※ Yakudoshi years may vary depending on region or temple—please confirm at reception for details
・Perpetual memorial services are available regardless of religious affiliation and offer peace of mind for those without successors.
・One of Nakayama-dera’s attractions is that you can pass through life’s milestones surrounded by the compassion of Kannon.
💡Tip:
If you are in a yakudoshi year, it is recommended to receive the prayer before your birthday for greater peace of mind.
Nakayama-dera also offers “family safety prayers” that can be attended together.
6.2 Perpetual Memorial Services: Details & Application Process
Nakayama-dera also accepts applications for eitai kuyo (perpetual memorial services).
This system ensures that the temple will take over the long-term care and memorial rites for the deceased, even if there are no descendants or successors.
🔸Features of Nakayama-dera’s Perpetual Memorial Services
1.Open to all sects
Although Nakayama-dera is the head temple of the Shingon Nakayama school, applications are accepted regardless of sect or parish affiliation.
2.Memorial services under Kannon’s protection
Sutra chanting is performed regularly in the Main Hall and ossuary, offering respectful memorial services for the deceased.
3.Choice of individual or joint memorial services
・Individual: Dedicated space such as a private ossuary altar or plaque
・Joint: Ashes are interred and memorialized together with others permanently
4.Types of Eitai Kuyo
・Eitai Kuyo (50 years): Memorial tablets enshrined in Myoon-den
・Special Eitai Kuyo (100 years): Memorial tablets enshrined in Daigan-to
🔸How to Apply
・Reception: Amida Hall (Amidado) at Nakayama-dera
・Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
・Application Steps:
1.Fill out an application form at Amidado
2.Consult about service details, duration, and interment method
3.Pay the fee to complete the application
Fees:
・Perpetual Memorial (50 years): ¥500,000 (Couple plan: ¥900,000)
→ Memorial tablets are enshrined in Myoon-den
・Special Perpetual Memorial (100 years): ¥1,000,000 (Couple plan: ¥1,900,000)
→ Memorial tablets are enshrined in Daigan-to
For details and the latest information, please visit the official website:
https://www.nakayamadera.or.jp/
🔸Summary
・Nakayama-dera offers not only prayers for safe childbirth but also important life-stage rituals such as yakubarai and perpetual memorial services.
・Yakubarai is most commonly performed before Setsubun, with solemn ceremonies held in the Main Hall.
・Perpetual memorial services are available regardless of religious sect, providing reassurance for those without successors.
・A key attraction of Nakayama-dera is the opportunity to experience life’s milestones embraced by the compassion of Kannon.