In Kamakura, the Nirvana Ceremony is held at many temples, but at Myohon-ji Temple you can see the temple treasure known as the “Nehan-zu” (Painting of the Buddha’s Nirvana), so I highly recommend visiting to see the real thing in person.
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Event Schedule
The Nehan-zu (Painting of the Buddha’s Nirvana) displayed in the Main Hall of Myohon-ji Temple is open to the public free of charge between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
February 15 marks the day when Shakyamuni Buddha entered Nirvana. On this day only, Myohon-ji displays its treasured Nehan-zu in the Main Hall for visitors to view (10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.).
In addition, the Nirvana Memorial Service (Nehan-e) is held starting at 10:00 a.m.
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On February 15, 2020, it was a very cold day, with snow falling. Just after 1:00 p.m., I opened the door of the Myohon-ji Temple office and study hall (it’s fine to open it yourself) and said, “I’ve come to see the Nehan-zu.”
I was then guided to the Main Hall.
After that, I was able to view the Nehan-zu alone and at my leisure.
There is no particularly recommended time to visit, but it may be a good idea to attend starting with the Nirvana Memorial Service held at 10:00 a.m.
The Nirvana Memorial Service on February 15
Hana Matsuri (Kanbutsu-e) on April 8 marks the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, Jōdō-e on December 8 commemorates the day he attained enlightenment, and Nehan-e on February 15 marks the day of his passing into Nirvana.
These three events are known as the three major observances in Buddhism and continue to be cherished and observed today.
What Is Depicted in a Nehan-zu (Painting of the Buddha’s Nirvana)
A Nehan-zu is a Buddhist painting that depicts the final moments of Shakyamuni Buddha. At the center lies the Buddha in repose, surrounded by his disciples, bodhisattvas, protective deities of Buddhism, lay followers, and even animals.
All are shown gathered around him, watching over the Buddha in deep sorrow.
The Origin of the Reclining Buddha and Sleeping with One’s Head to the North
The image of Shakyamuni Buddha lying on his side is known as a Nehan-zō (Reclining Buddha).
In many such depictions, the Buddha supports his head with his right hand, with his head pointing north and his face turned toward the west.
This posture is said to be the origin of the custom of sleeping with one’s head to the north (kitamakura) in everyday life.
Some Reclining Buddha images show the Buddha with his eyes closed, while others depict him with his eyes open.
It is said that images with closed eyes represent the Buddha after he has entered Nirvana, while those with open eyes depict the moment when he is delivering his final sermon.
In India, there is a legend that sweet tea is a drink of the gods, and drinking it brings immortality.
In other words, pouring sweet tea on the Buddha is a symbolic act of respect and devotion.
There are important days in the Buddhist calendar.
Gōtan-e (Birthday Celebration)
A ceremony to celebrate the birth of the Buddha (April 8).It is also called Hanamatsuri or Kanbutsue.
Jōdō-e (Enlightenment Ceremony)
A ceremony to commemorate the day the Buddha attained enlightenment (December 8).
Nehan-e (Nirvana Ceremony)A ceremony to remember the day the Buddha passed away (February 15).
You can read our blog post about Hanamatsuri on April 8 here.
👉 2026.4.8 Hanamatsuri is the Great day that Buddha was born.
Access
About an 8-minute walk from Kamakura Station East Exit.
The plum blossoms at Myohonji Temple are also very beautiful, so please take this opportunity to enjoy them as well!
Other
There are two types of Nirvana statues: those with the Buddha’s eyes closed and those with his eyes open.
Statues with closed eyes represent the Buddha after he has passed into Nirvana, while those with open eyes are believed to depict the moment when he delivered his final teachings.
This English guidebook covers Kamakura and Enoshima.
There aren’t many English guidebooks that focus on this area.
It introduces various spots, such as shrines, temples, and restaurants, by area.
We hope you enjoy discovering the beauty and history of Kamakura!
Kamakura & Enoshima: A Japan Guide to Nature, Culture, and Community
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