🎎 Chichibu Pilgrimage Sites

The 34 Kannon sacred sites (temples dedicated to Kannon Bodhisattva) located in Chichibu City, Yokose Town, Ogano Town, and Minano Town are collectively known as "Chichibu Fudasho." Along with the Saigoku 33 and Bandō 33, they form part of Japan's hundred Kannon temples. The pilgrimage to Chichibu Fudasho, which is said to have begun in the Muromachi period, became very popular among the common people during the Edo period. In addition to religious devotion, the route also offers a unique experience as a sightseeing trip. The pilgrimage route spans approximately 100 kilometers from the first temple, Shimmangubutsu-ji, to the 34th temple, Suikō-ji. There is no need to follow the numbered order, and many people start their pilgrimage from the temples that are most convenient for them to visit. In the early days, it was customary to carry a wooden plaque with personal information as proof of worship, but now pilgrims receive a stamp with the temple name in a pilgrimage book. Pilgrimage supplies such as the pilgrimage book, walking sticks, and folding altars are sold at the first temple, Shimmangubutsu-ji, the 13th temple, Jigen-ji, and many other sites. Walking in the natural beauty of Chichibu is one of the greatest charms of the pilgrimage. The route between the 20th temple, Iwa no Ue-dō, and the 25th temple, Kyūshō-ji, known as "Naganone Path," is especially popular.

The pilgrimage is distributed among 34 revered Kannon Bodhisattva temples in the Chichibu area. The route from No. 20 to No. 25, known as "Nagao Ridge Trail," is a nature-rich hiking path in the Nagao Ridge hills and is quite a popular route. The way to worship is to first remove your hat and bow at the mountain gate, then to join your hands in prayer to the deity. Finally, you can obtain the goshuin at the sutra depository. The pilgrimage is not limited to walking; you can also drive or take a bus or taxi for the pilgrimage. The walking pilgrimage from No. 21 to No. 34 was interrupted due to heavy rain and other conditions.