Butsumyo-e

This is a ceremony to confess and expiate one’s own sins by prostrating and reciting the 3,000 names of Buddha in the past, present and future.
Although this is originally an ascetic practice for new monks, the general public can participate in the ceremony in Ishiyamadera Temple.
Every year, it takes place for three days between the 6th and 8th of December. On the first day, 1,000 names of Buddha of the past including Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni), on the second day, 1,000 names of Buddha of the present including Yakushi Nyorai, and on the third day, another 1,000 names of Buddha in the future including Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya) are recited and worshipped.