The Japanese daruma doll is said to bring spiritual awakening, and Jindaiji Temple in Chofu is known as one of the country’s top three spots to get your hands on a daruma, with its annual Daruma Market boasting over 300 stalls.
When you buy a daruma at the festival, know that the eyes of this round, hollow-headed talisman are left blank when you first buy it. Usually, you paint in one of the pupils after making a wish, and the other if your wish comes true. But for this special occasion, a monk will be stationed at the temple's Ganzandaishi Hall to paint the left eye of your daruma with an ancient Sanskrit character when you make your wish.
The daruma market is open for just two days on March 3 and 4. Both days feature the oneri gyoretsu (from 1.45pm), a procession of portable shrines carried by the temple monks, who are outfitted in elegant ceremonial robes.
Jindaiji, by the way, is the second-oldest temple in Tokyo. The temple and its surrounding area are famed for soba noodles, a national treasure-designated Buddha statue and, of course, this annual market for lucky dolls, which has been going on since Edo times.