'Gohan-shiki' ceremony at Rinnoji temple in Nikko

'Gohan-shiki' ceremony at Rinnoji temple in Nikko

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan - Participants receive big bowls piled high with about 5 kilograms of rice from priests during a ceremony of ''Gohhan-shiki (compulsory rice eating)'' inside the Sanbutsu-do hall at the Rinnoji temple in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, on April 2, 2010. It is believed that receiving the rice brings good luck and health.

'Gohan-shiki' ceremony at Rinnoji temple in Nikko

'Gohan-shiki' ceremony at Rinnoji temple in Nikko

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan - Participants receive big bowls piled high with about 5 kilograms of rice from priests during a ceremony of ''Gohhan-shiki (compulsory rice eating)'' inside the Sanbutsu-do hall at the Rinnoji temple in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, on April 2, 2010. It is believed that receiving the rice brings good luck and health. (Kyodo)

Manganji Temple,Nikko

Manganji Temple,Nikko

Sanbutsu-do, the main hall of Rinoji Temple, was formerly part of Nikko Futarasan Shinto Shrine. In response to the official separation of Buddhism and Shintoism in 1871, it was dissembled and rebuilt on its present site in 1881. It enshrines three Buddhist deities: Senju-kannon (1,000-hand deity of mercy), Amida-nyorai and Bato-kannon.==Date:unknown, Place:Nikko, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number96‐40‐0]

The main approach to Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

The main approach to Toshogu Shrine,Nikko

The Omote-sando approach to Nikko Toshogu is viewed from Nakayama Street. The ditch in the centre no longer exists. At the end of the approach is Toshogu. The stone torii and Omotemon (Niomon) can be seen in the cedar grove. The Hyakumonozoroe Sennin Gyoretsu (1,000 Samurai Procession Festival) passes along this approach. The Sanbutsu-do of Rinoji Temple is to the left.==Date:unknown, Place:Nikko, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number47‐23‐0]