Soji-ji temple, the 22nd temple on the saigoku kannon pilgrimage, attracts many visitors. the old townscape surrounding the temple enhances the atmosphere for those visiting. fujiwara no yamakage, the founder of soji-ji temple, is famous as the "god of cooking" for perfecting the etiquette of court cuisine during the heian period. at the annual hōchō-shiki ceremony held in april, chefs dressed in heian period attire perform their magnificent knife skills to the accompaniment of gagaku (ancient japanese court music). every december, the "ibaraki bamboo lantern festival" illuminates the spacious temple grounds with countless bamboo lanterns. this event began to commemorate the "historical and cultural sister city agreement" between ibaraki city and taketa city in oita prefecture. at 4 pm, approximately 6,000 bamboo lanterns made in both cities are lit simultaneously, filling the temple grounds with a soft glow. performances by local junior high school brass bands, displays of local products made from bamboo, and food and drink booths featuring ibaraki's specialties will further enliven the mystical atmosphere of the temple grounds.