Japan's Three Great Tengu: A 6.5m Tengu Mask and a Once-in-a-Decade Grand Opening

Kashozan Mirokuji Temple in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan's three great Tengu sites. The temple's main hall houses Japan's largest Tengu mask, measuring 6.5 meters. Additionally, there are three masks around 4 meters in size and numerous smaller masks displayed. The temple was founded in 848, boasting a history of over 1,200 years. However, the Tengu worship seems to have started in the 15th century, when a monk named Chuhou ascended to heaven, leaving behind a Tengu mask. From April 21 to May 28, 2025, the temple will host its once-in-a-decade Grand Opening. Visitors can first connect with the sacred object by holding the red and white cloth tied to it at the worship hall. Then, they climb the steep stairs of Chuhoudou, built on the mountain slope, and offer incense to the sacred object at the topmost level. The staircase consists of 54 steps up and 54 steps down, totaling 108 steps, which is said to help eliminate worldly desires upon completion. Even outside the Grand Opening, the 6-meter Tengu mask alone is an impressive sight. Name: Kashozan Ryugein Mirokuji Temple Address: 445 Kamihocchi-machi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture Access: About 25 minutes from Numata IC The last 4 km from Prefectural Route 266 is a mountain road. One-way traffic is recommended: ascending from the south and descending from the north. Parking: Approximately 60 spaces Admission Fee: Grand Opening: From 500 yen (Usually, only offerings are required?)