Some hibutsu are so-called 'absolute hibutsu,' which are completely withheld from public view, but most are unveiled to the public on specific days (this practice is called 'gokaicho' or 'kaihi,' both meaning 'opening the gate').
秘仏には、全く公開されない「絶対の秘仏」も一部にあるが、特定の日に限って公開（「御開帳」「開扉」などと称する）を行うことが多い。