Zenkoji Temple Holds "Gokaicho", Opening to Public "Maedachi Honzon" Statue

NAGANO, JAPAN - APRIL 05: Visitors converge on the Eko-bashira pillar that is connected by a gold rope to a statue within the main hall at Zenkoji Temple on April 5, 2015 in Nagano, Japan. The "Gokaicho" event, held once every six years, involves opening to the public the "Maedachi Honzon" statue, which is said to be a replica of the temple's hidden principal image. The statue is connected by a gold rope with the Eko-bashira pillar erected in front of the main hall. The belief is that touching the Eko-bashira will bring good luck. Many visitors stood in line to touch the pillar. (Photo by The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images)