Discover More of Saitama! ① The Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit
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Immerse yourself, mind and body, in the beautiful nature, culture, and spiritual history of Chichibu, by going on an ancient temple pilgrimage.
A Chichibu Pilgrimage
Tucked away along mountain paths or in small rural villages, the Chichibu 34 Kannon Temple Circuit (秩父札所三十四巡り) is an ancient pilgrimage route, stopping at 34 different temples in Saitama's Chichibu area. Since the 13th century, pilgrims have been hiking up mountains, wandering through beautiful forests, getting directions from locals, and making their way to these many Buddhist temples, all in white robes (called hakui, 白衣) and straw hats (sugegasa, 菅笠). If you love tranquil hikes, amazing views of eastern Japan, temple visits, or collecting goshuin, here are some of the spots to visit first!
Temple Recommendations
① Temple #13 ・ Jigenji Temple (慈眼寺)
With 34 temples on the pilgrimage, there are 34 different options, so where do you even start!? Well, only seven minutes from Seibu Chichibu Station, Jigenji Temple is the most accessible of the 34 different temples. Because of this convenient location, many travelers will begin their pilgrimage from Jigenji, and the temple makes it especially appealing by selling many of the items that pilgrims take with them as they go.
The Buddhist image at Jigenji Temple is said to provide protection to the eyes, so many people will write their wishes and prayers on the temple's ema (絵馬) votive tablets painted with "め," which means "eyes." They even offer tea brewed from the "megusuri no ki" tree (目薬の木), which is said to be good for the eyes!
② Temple #32 ・ Hoshoji Temple (法性寺)
Hoshoji Temple: the only temple on the pilgrimage with a bell tower. But that's not all this temple has! Visitors can try meditation at Hoshoji to purify the mind and body, and climb the rather rugged path to the inner sanctuary. It's a taxing journey, but the beautiful view, peaceful atmosphere, and Buddhist figures waiting at the end of the road make it worth all the trouble.
③ Temple #23 ・ Ongakuji Temple (音楽寺)
"Ongaku" means music in Japanese, which makes this the temple of music. Ongakuji is a popular destination for musicians, who come to pray for a hit single, but it's also home to 13 stone statues, who represent the 13 Buddhas who established this pilgrimage in 1234. Those same Buddhas are said to have given the temple its name, declaring that the sound of the wind rushing through the surrounding pine trees sounded like the music of the bodhisattvas.
④ Temple #26 ・ Enyuuji Temple (圓融寺)
Make the difficult climb up 300 stone steps through the beautiful forest, and you'll be rewarded by a spectacular view, a little like the famous Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyotoーyou'll forget all about your aching muscles.
⑤ Temple #27 ・ Daienji Temple (大淵寺)
Climb a mountain path, or hop on over along the hiking course from temple #26 (Enyuuji), and you'll find Daienji Temple's panoramic view of the city of Chichibu, and the 16.5 meter Hakui Kannon statue. This Kannon statue is sometimes nicknamed the "Gokoku Kannon" (護国観音), essentially the "national defense Kannon," because it's holding a sword instead of a lotus flower!
⑥ Temple #28 ・ Hashidatedo Temple (橋立堂)
On the western edge of Chichibu's iconic Mount Buko, built below a giant rock wall towering 75 meters overhead, Hashidatedo Temple is said to be home to the "horse Kannon," and many people visit the temple to pray for safety on the road. After taking in the view of the overwhelming rock wall, you can relax and take a break from your busy pilgrimage with a surprising cup of coffee at the neighboring Jurin's Geo Cafe.
Enjoy the Beauty of Chichibu and the Peaceful Pilgrimage
Of the six temples we've recommended today, many have been hidden in beautiful natural enclaves at the end of rugged paths and mountain trails. But the fantastic feeling of finally arriving at these gorgeous destinations, finding yourself both exhausted and spiritually refreshed, is like nothing else. Give it a try next time you're in Saitama!
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NAME:Chichibu, Saitama
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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