Some temples in Kyoto will hold an annual memorial service on March 15 to commemorate the Buddha's achievement of nirvana.

One of them, Seiryoji Temple, will start its service at 10 a.m., followed by a torch-lighting ceremony that begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

To get to Seiryoji Temple, take the Kyoto Bus or City Bus from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line and get off at Saga Shakado Mae.

For further information, check kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp/eventdetail.php?event_tab=tradition&eventid=140315100&year=2014&month=3&date (in Japanese) or call 075-861-0343.

San San Club for foreign parents in Osaka

Foreign parents and children are invited to join a session of the San San Club in Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, on March 19.

During the session, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants will talk with volunteers about parenthood, learn Japanese and exchange information. Pregnant women are also welcome and participation will be free.

The venue is Minoh Multicultural Center. Take Hankyu Bus 30, 51, 55, 56, 58, 59, 66 or 79 from Kitasenri Station on the Hankyu Senri Line and get off at Onohara.

Information is available at mafga.or.jp/en/ (in English) or by calling 072-727-6912.

Flea market in Kyoto will feature young artists

Kyoto Art Flea Market 2014 Spring will take place from March 21 to 23, and visitors can browse through 149 booths in which young, Kyoto-related artists will display their works.

The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except the final day when it will close at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The market will be held in five different venues in the city of Kyoto, including the Museum of Kyoto, a three-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the Karasuma Line.

For more details, go to web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/kafm/ (in Japanese) or call 075-222-0835.

Tagata Shrine in Aichi hosting Honen Festival

Visitors to Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, can enjoy Tagata Shrine's annual Honen Festival on March 15, when participants will carry on their shoulders a portable shrine bearing a 2-meter-long phallus-shaped wooden sculpture.

The festival lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parade featuring the portable shrine starts at 2 p.m. and will run for 90 minutes.

The venue is a five-minute walk from Tagata Jinja Mae Station on the Meitetsu Komaki Line.

To find out more about the event, go to www.tagatajinja.com/index.html (in Japanese) or call 0568-76-2906.

Nagoya International Orchid Show underway

The Nagoya International Orchid Show 2014 will continue until March 18.

The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is ¥700 for adults and free for junior high school students and younger.

The venue is Rannoyakata, a three-minute walk from Yabacho Station on the Meijo Line.

More information is available at www.rannoyakata.net/new/news/index.html (in Japanese). The telephone contact number is 052-243-0511.