Nishiarai Daishi Wind Bell Festival

The Nishiarai Daishi Wind Bell Festival (Furin Matsuri) is a cherished summer tradition held at the historic Sojiji Temple. Since its inception in 1999, the event has grown into one of Tokyo’s premier wind chime gatherings, rivaling the famous market at Kawasaki Daishi. The festival showcases over 400 distinct varieties of wind chimes sourced from across Japan, ranging from delicate Edo-style glass to resonant Nambu ironware and unique pottery designs. Set amidst the temple’s lush grounds, the melodic symphony of hundreds of ringing bells offers a refreshing auditory escape from the intense heat of the urban Japanese summer.

The festival typically runs throughout July, with the temple grounds transforming into a vibrant gallery of sound. The collection includes a wide array of craftsmanship, from the clear tones of Toyama brass to the organic rattling of bamboo and charcoal chimes from regional artisans. A major draw for collectors is that nearly all the wind chimes on display are available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of traditional Japanese summer culture. While browsing the stalls, guests can also explore the temple’s primary hall and its renowned wisteria trellises, which provide a picturesque backdrop to the seasonal event.

Festival Features

In addition to the vast selection of wind chimes, the festival occasionally features workshops where visitors can try their hand at painting their own glass furin. The event is particularly famous for its diversity, representing styles from as far north as Aomori to the southern islands of Okinawa. Local food stalls often line the approach to the temple, offering classic summer refreshments like shaved ice and yakisoba. The combination of the cool sounds and the historic temple architecture makes it a preferred destination for those seeking a more traditional and contemplative summer experience in the capital.