Applying for Hoshi Matsuri Omamori
Those who apply for prayers will be given an omamori with their name, star, and age written on it.  Each omamori is carefully handwritten and blessed in the goma fire conducted in February. 
If you would like to apply for Hoshi Matsuri Omamori, please download the form and submit it to the office by Friday, January 19. If you request omamori for your younger family members, please encourage them to learn more about the traditions and meaning behind this important annual service.

Deadline – January 19
Please submit your form to the office by Friday, January 19.  ​

This year's 2024 Shichi-Go-San Children's Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 23. Thank you for your understanding.

The schedule change and registration form has been mailed to temple households and friends. If you are unable to attend this service, please contact the office to inquire about private services.

We are excited to share Koboji’s new goshuin (御朱印), available starting January 1, 2025! This special design features the stamp and bonji of Kobo Daishi, the main image and spiritual focus of our temple. Each goshuin serves as a meaningful token and proof of your worship.
The design was unveiled during Archbishop Dean’s 7th Year Memorial Service, reflecting Koboji's deep spiritual hertigae and connection to Odaishisama.
Please note: During busy periods, we may not be able to stamp your goshuin book directly. Pre-prepared sheets (like those pictured) will be available as an alternative and can easily be pasted into your book later.
We are grateful for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Koboji!

​The goma (Jp. 護摩) ritual of consecrated fire is unique to Esoteric Buddhism. The ritual we perform at Koboji was introduced to Japan by Kobo Daishi in 806 CE. These fire ceremonies are rarely held outside of Japan and are a unique experience that inspires the senses of those who watch.
 
The goma fire is central to two upcoming services: the Saito O-goma in November and the Hoshi Matsuri star festival in February.
 
Saito O-goma Service
Sunday, November 26, 2023
9am | Reception opens at 8am
 
 
Hoshi Omamori (Star Amulet) Request
Due January 12, 2024
 
We also invite you to request your hoshi omamori that will be blessed in the goma fire created in February 2024.  Each omamori is carefully handwritten according to the heavenly stars that quietly correspond with our lives.  We request that you submit your forms to the office by January 12, 2024.

Dear Members and Friends,

We would like to invite you to our Jizo Matsuri and Shichi-Go-San celebration services for children.  These special services are for children ages 7, 5, and 3 years old.
JIZO MATSURI & SHICHI-GO-SAN CELEBRATION SERVICE
地蔵まつり並びに七五三子供まつり
Sunday, November 19, 2023 – NEW DATE
Service Begins 9am
Picture Taking & Light Lunch 10:30am

During this service, we especially pray to Kobo Daishi and to Jizo Bosatsu for their continuous guidance of our children’s growth, protection, education, happiness, and good health.  Jizo Bosatsu is the patron deity of children, travelers, and all those who are vulnerable.  We begin the service in front of the Jizo enshrined in the temple courtyard.

The celebration of the Shichi-Go-San originated many centuries ago in Japan as the ceremony for children when they become self-conscious and aware of life.

• At age 7 for girls, it is called the time of “obi musubi” (the tying of the obi sash).  The soft type of obi sash worn since the age of three, is replaced with the larger and firmer obi.
• ​​​For boys, the age of 5 is the celebration called “hakamasuke”.  This is the first time since birth he is allowed to wear the hakama pants and kimono like an adult man.
• For the 3 year old boys and girls the celebration is called “himonaoshi” which is when the child passes the stage of drinking milk from a bottle and the baby bib is no longer used.  Himo naoshi means instead of using the himo (strings) to tie the child’s kimono together, the himo (strings) are replaced with the soft type of obi sash.

 
The traditional attire would be kimono for girls and the kimono/hakama for boys. For a donation of $100, Koboji’s Minnyo Kai (Dance Group) will dress participants in traditional kimono attire. However, regular aloha casual attire is also acceptable. Pictures are welcome in the temple hall with children and families making this a special moment to treasure.​

You do not have to be a temple member to participate in this service, but your registration is kindly requested by Friday, October 13, 2023.