Ushitora Gongyo

It is the morning prayer service which is indirectly offered to the Dai Gohonzon image, approximately one mile away from a distance area in accordance to the sect and beliefs of wide propagation.

The Buddhist sect claims that the reputed ceremony has been rigidly observed for over 700 years without fail, since the death anniversary of Nikkō Shōnin on 7 February 1333.

A specialized transparent window called "Yohaijo" looking into the Hoando storage where the Dai Gohonzon is enshrined is visible, where the High Priest later moves to give a shortened lecture or words of encouragement as part of the culmination of service.

A scene of the Ushitora Gongyo is featured in the original, unedited version of the 1976 Soka Gakkai film "Zoku Ningen Kakumei" (English: Human Revolution).

The fictionalized film re-dramatizes the first honorary President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and his religious conversion to the sect of Nichiren Shōshū during the Second World War.

The Gohonzon of Nikko Shonin inside the Dai-Kyakuden ( 大客殿 , Grand Reception Hall) (transcribed into wood on 15 June 1706) where the ceremony is held exclusively for its Hokkeko believers from various countries participating in the 2:30AM Buddhist service. The High Priest sits opposite in the left side seat. Taisekiji Head Temple, Japan.
The rotation of the Chinese Zodiac per animal sign which indicates the Buddhist time assigned to the Ushitora service. A woodcarving at the Kushida Shinto Shrine , Fukuoka, Japan .
An image of a Buddhist goddess, Tennin riding a cloud, a form of Shoten Zenjin protector deity invoked by believers during the Ushitora service.