Togo Park Chichibu Ontake Shrine

Iozan Yakujuin Hachioji Temple in Hanno City is also known as "Takedera" (Bamboo Temple) because its spacious grounds are densely covered with bamboo groves. It has over a thousand years of history as a training site for mountain worshippers, and offers exceptional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). The shojin ryori served here features seasonal mountain vegetables and various medicinal herbs, served in bamboo vessels that are unique to this temple surrounded by bamboo - a refreshing presentation that delights the eye. The dishes are also accompanied by strips of paper inscribed with haiku and seasonal flowers, which embody the beauty and spiritual richness deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Please savor to your heart's content this simple yet refined shojin ryori that brings out the natural character of each ingredient. The main hall enshrines Gozu Tenno, a syncretic deity that emerged from the blending of Shinto and Buddhism, who is worshipped as a protector against illness and misfortune. By the shrine gate at the entrance to the main hall, you'll find a chinowa (sacred rope ring). Make sure to pass through it while praying for the purification of your mind and body.

Within Ogose Town in Iruma sits a scenic area where you can find the Three Waterfalls of Kuroyama (Kuroyama Santaki): Odaki, Medaki, and Tengu Taki. It has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 tourist destinations. During summer, the pure mist from the cascading waters and the rich greenery that surrounds the area provide a coolness that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of city life. It's an ideal summer retreat where you can heal from the fatigue of the everyday and refresh both mind and body. The area has also long been revered as a powerful sacred site for “shugendo” mountain asceticism practitioners. Many come here to experience the energy of nature with their whole being and to pray for better fortune. With beautiful fresh greenery in spring and stunning autumn colors, the Kuroyama Santaki area shows different faces throughout the seasons. Please consider visiting this remarkable place at least once!

On May 23, 1868 (Keio 4), Heikuro Shibusawa, a member of the old shogunate army who was defeated in a battle with new government forces at Hanno, fled alone towards Kuroyama Village via the Kaoburi Pass. He encountered a patrolling scouting party and fought them alone, but was badly wounded and committed suicide (harakiri) while sitting on a rock on the river bank. Heikuro was a cousin, brother-in-law, and adopted son of Shibusawa Eiichi, the man known as the "father of Japanese capitalism," whose face appears on the 10,000 yen bill.

Selected as one the top 100 locations in Saitama, the Mt. Hakuun (Hakuun-san) Torii Kannon temple covers an area of around 30 hectares (the size of 6.5 Tokyo Domes) in Okumusashi/Naguri, where founder Yataro Hiranuma spent over 30 years erecting buildings in various places on the mountain. In addition to the symbolic Kusei Kannon (Goddess of Salvation) on the mountain summit, there is also the main hall, Gyokkamon Gate, Niomon Gate, Great Bell Tower, Heiwa Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), and notably the Genjo Sanzo Tower, famous for enshrining the remains of Genjo Sanzo, a Buddhist priest who appears in the famous Chinese novel "Journey to the West."

This flower garden, dedicated to a variety of early-blooming azalea called Rhododendron dilatatum (mitsuba tsutsuji), was born from the cultivation of this piece of mountain forest over a span of 10 years. In early April, roughly 2500 flowers bloom creating a world of stunning floral beauty!