Prior to "Nehan-e," or the memorial service on the day when Buddha is said to have passed away, the opening of "Nehanzu," or the picture scroll depicting the scene of Buddha's death, started on March 1 at Shinnyo-do Temple in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.

Many temples in Kyoto hold "Nehan-e" assemblies from March 14 to 16. This year, Shinnyo-do Temple is showing "Nehanzu," which is said to have been drawn by Mincho, a Zen monk and painter in the Muromachi Period, at the main hall of the temple as "Dainehanzu," a large nirvana painting from the mid-Edo Period, which the temple annually exhibits to the public, is now under repairs.

"Nehanzu" is approximately 2.6 meters high and 1.6 meters wide. Buddha, dressed in gold clothing, lies in the center with his head on his right arm, and he is surrounded by his disciples, birds and other animals who are grieving his death. The exhibition will continue until March 31. There is 600 yen admission fee, which includes "Hanakuso-arare" rice crackers.