Experience Japan’s Pilgrimage Culture on the Chichibu Pilgrimage Circuit

Shimabu-ji is the first temple on the Chichibu Pilgrimage Circuit. With a history of around 1,000 years, the temple is said to have been founded when a disciple of a monk from Harima (present-day Hyogo Prefecture) came here to practice Buddhism and chant sutras in memorial services. The main hall is exceptionally beautiful and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture. It's a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. Its roof is built in the traditional Japanese "irimoya-zukuri" architectural style, featuring overlapping sections. Visitors can purchase pilgrimage essentials such as “goshuin” stamp books at the temple office.

Kinsho-ji Temple, the fourth stop on the circuit, boasts one of the most magnificent Niomon Gates among the Chichibu temples and is famous as the "Temple of Stone Buddhas." Approximately 1,300 stone Buddha statues are enshrined throughout the temple grounds. These were carved to memorialize victims of the great Edo period famines (late 18th to early 19th century), and legend says there were once as many as 3,800 statues. They stand as invaluable historical artifacts, reflecting the deep devotion to Buddhism during that era. On the right side of the main hall's corridor stands the beloved "Child-Rearing Kannon Statue," whose gentle expression touches the hearts of all who visit.

Hashidate-do Temple, the 28th stop on the circuit, stands before towering rock cliffs, with its striking vermilion Kannon Hall as one of the main attractions. This building is believed to have been constructed during the mid-Edo period (around 1700-1780). It enshrines a Buddhist statue of Bato Kanzeon, dating from the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Temple sites with Bato Kanzeon as their main deity are quite rare. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as a protective deity for traffic safety and horses. Even in today's automotive age, many people still come to the temple from far away to pray for safe travel. Right next to the hall is the Hashidate Limestone Cave, which pilgrims have long used as a place to purify their bodies and spirits by walking through it. With an elevation difference of about 33 meters between entrance and exit, it offers a thrilling adventure. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and take care when visiting.

The final destination is Hosho-ji Temple, the 32nd stop on the circuit. First, pass through the Niomon Gate and climb the stone steps to reach the main hall. Beyond the main hall lies the beautiful moss-covered temple grounds that has earned Hosho-ji the nickname "Chichibu's moss temple." Befitting a temple located within the Chichibu Geopark, it has stone steps past the main hall that are carved into the rock. Continue climbing these steps to reach the historic Kannon Hall built beneath a rocky cave. This beautiful “stage-style” hall was constructed in 1707. Further up the mountain path is the Okunoin, where the spectacular view will make you forget all the fatigue from your climb. In front of the main hall, there's a shop selling Chichibu pilgrimage merchandise like stamp books, tote bags, and T-shirts, so be sure to stop by.