Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage

The 1st temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage (initial vow), with the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. It is said to have been founded by Gyōki during the Tenpyō era, and enshrines three statues of the Eleven-faced Kannon, said to be the works of Gyōki, Ennin (Daishi Jikaku), and Genshin (Sōzu Eshō), as hidden treasures. It is said to be the oldest temple in Kamakura, with moss-covered stone steps and a thatched Kannon-do hall as highlights. Please confirm Goshuin hours etc. with the official website. Nearest station is Kamakura Station by bus.

The 2nd temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, with the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. According to temple tradition, it was opened by the monk Tokudō in the Yōrō era and Gyōki carved the Kannon statue. It is the only Sōtō sect temple among the Bandō temples. It is also known as a temple associated with the Kamakura shogunate, including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hōjō Masako, and the literary master Izumi Kyōka, and is famous for its hydrangeas. The view from the mountain temple grounds is also charming. Nearest stations are JR Zushi and Keikyu Zushi-Hayama Station.

3rd temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage. The principal image of the temple is Amida Nyorai, but the principal image of the pilgrimage temple is Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva (Tashiro Kannon). It originated from Chōraku-ji Temple, founded by Hōjō Masako to mourn the repose of the soul of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the temple is named after Masako's posthumous Buddhist name, "An'yō-in". Within the precincts is a Hōkyōintō pagoda, said to be Masako's grave, and it is famous as a spot for azaleas in early summer. Please confirm opening hours etc. on the official website. The nearest station is Kamakura Station.

The 4th temple on the Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, with Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as the principal image. It is one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, approximately 9.18m tall, and is affectionately known as 'Hase Kannon'. It is said to have been founded in the Tenpyo period. It is known as a temple of flowers, with its open grounds and views of Yuigahama from the observation deck, and approximately 40 varieties and 2,500 hydrangeas. The Kannon Museum is also attached. The nearest station is Hase Station on the Enoden Line.

The 5th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, with the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. It is an ancient temple of the Shingon sect, also known as 'Iizumi Kannon'. It is said that Ninomiya Sontoku (Kinjiro) was inspired to become a monk after hearing the Kannon Sutra at this temple in his youth, and a seated statue of Kinjiro with his hands clasped stands in front of the main hall. There are many other attractions, including a large ginkgo tree, a bronze water basin, and a bronze bell. Please confirm Goshuin hours etc. with the official website. Nearest stations are JR Kamonomiya and Odawara Stations by bus.

The 6th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, with the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. It is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, affectionately known as 'Iiyama Kannon'. It is said to have been founded by Gyōki during the Shinkame era. The Kannon-do hall, associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, stands here. In spring, approximately 3,000 cherry trees bloom, and in the rainy season, hydrangeas add color, making it a famous spot for flowers and views, and it is listed as one of the '50 Scenic Spots of Kanagawa'. Nearest station is Atsugi Station by bus.

The 7th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage, with Sho Kannon Bodhisattva as the principal image. It is a Tendai sect temple called "Kaname Kannon". It is said to have originated from a Kannon statue obtained from the sea during the Taihō era, and was favored by Minamoto no Yoritomo in the medieval period. The main hall, built in the Meiō era, and the Zen-style shrine (Important National Cultural Property) are highlights, as is the tranquil precincts along the Kaname River. The nearest station is Hiratsuka Station, with bus access.

The 8th temple on the Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, with Holy Kannon Bodhisattva as the principal image. It is a temple of the Shingon sect called 'Hoshi no Tani Kannon', and is said to have been founded by Gyoki. It is known for the legend of the 'Seven Wonders of Hoshiya-ji Temple', including the bell, Hoshi no I (well), and blooming camellias of different colors, and a single-strike bell (Important Cultural Property of Japan) is also preserved. The quiet grounds add to the atmosphere of the pilgrimage. The nearest station is Zama Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.

The 14th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, with a wooden standing statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva (National Important Cultural Property) as its principal image. It is said to be the oldest temple in Yokohama City, an ancient temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. The principal image, created in the mid-Heian period, is famous as a representative work of the Kanto region, made with a 'Nata-bori' (hatchet carving) technique that intentionally leaves chisel marks. The shopping street in front of the gate is also lively. Nearest stations are Keikyu Gōmei-ji Station and Yokohama Municipal Subway Gōmei-ji Station.

An ancient Tendai sect temple, and the 9th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage. The mountain name is Tokiyama, and the principal image is Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have been founded in the Nara period, and is one of the leading mountain temples in the Kanto region. It is known for preserving the National Treasure decorative sutra "Jikōji Sutra". The precincts, surrounded by deep greenery, are filled with tranquility, and one climbs the stone steps to the Kannon-do hall. Please confirm opening hours and admission fees on the official website. Ogawamachi Station and Myōgaku Station on the Tobu Tojo Line are the base stations.

A temple of the Shingon sect Chisan school, and the 10th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage. It is called Gan'nanden, and the principal image is Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have been opened by Ikkai in the Yōrō era, and was rebuilt by Hiki Yoshikazu by order of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and is also said to have been the protective deity of Hōjō Masako. The large ginkgo tree towering in front of the Kannon-do hall is a highlight. Please confirm opening hours and admission fees on the official website. Takasaka Station on the Tobu Tojo Line is the base station.

A temple of the Shingon sect Chizan school and the 11th temple on the Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. Its mountain name is Iwadono-san Komyo-in, and the principal image is Holy Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have originated when Gyoki enshrined a Kannon statue, and is a place associated with Minamoto no Noriyori. The three-story pagoda and main hall, built in the early Edo period, stand out against the greenery. It is affectionately known for the 'Yakuyoke Asa Kannon' (Morning Kannon for warding off evil) and 'Yakuyoke Dango' (dumplings for warding off evil) on June 18th every year. Please confirm reception hours and viewing fees officially. Higashimatsuyama Station on the Tobu Tojo Line is the hub.

A temple of the Tendai sect and the 12th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. It is called Garinzan, and its principal image is the Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. It is an ancient temple said to have been founded by Daishi Ennin during the Tenchō era. Nearby stands the Genjō Tower, which enshrines the relics of Xuanzang Sanzang, famous from 'Journey to the West'. A quiet atmosphere of pilgrimage pervades the spacious grounds. Please confirm Goshuin hours and admission fees with the official website. Higashi-Iwatsuki Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line is the base.

The head temple of the Sho Kannon sect, and the 13th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage, and the only temple in Tokyo. It is called Kinryūzan, and the principal image is the hidden Buddhist image of Sho Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have originated in 628 when the brothers Hinokuma Hamanari and Takunari found a Kannon statue in the Miyato River. The Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise-dori street, and the five-storied pagoda are lined up, bustling with domestic and international worshipers. Please confirm opening hours and admission fees on the official website. Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Asakusa Line are the base stations.

Hase-ji Temple on Mount Shiraiwa in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, is the 15th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage and is popularly known as Shiraiwa Kannon. The principal image is the hidden Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. It is an ancient temple associated with Shugendo, and the principal image is a designated Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture. The temple buildings stand in a quiet village at the foot of Mount Haruna, and a simple atmosphere welcomes pilgrims. Please confirm opening hours on the official website. It is convenient to head towards Haruna from Takasaki city as a base.

Gotoku-zan Mizusawa-ji Temple in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, is the 16th temple on the Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. It is an ancient temple of the Tendai sect, known as Mizusawa Kannon, and the principal image is Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have been opened by the monk Keiyo Sojo by imperial decree of Empress Suiko. The Kannon Hall, rebuilt in 1787, and the hexagonal double-story pagoda are highlights, and it is located near Ikaho Onsen. Please confirm reception hours officially. It also serves as a base for visiting Ikaho Onsen and Mizusawa Udon.

Izuruyama Mangan-ji in Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, is the 17th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. It is an ancient temple of the Chisan School of the Shingon sect, known as Izuru Kannon, with the Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. According to temple tradition, it was founded in the first year of Tenpyō-jingō (770) by the monk Shōdō, and Kōbō Daishi visited in the Kōnin era. It is known for its Okunoin cave and waterfall ascetic practices, and its deep mountain spiritual site is attractive. Please confirm Goshuin hours with the official website. The base is from Tochigi city center towards the mountains.

Nikkō-san Chūzen-ji, located in Chūgūshi on the shores of Lake Chuzenji in Nikkō City, Tochigi Prefecture, is the 18th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage. It is a branch temple of Rinno-ji Temple, a World Heritage site, and is famous for the name Ritsugi Kannon. The principal image is Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva, said to have been carved by Shōdō Shōnin from a standing tree of Katsura, and is an Important Cultural Property. The scenery overlooking the lake and Mount Nantai is also exceptional. Please confirm opening hours on the official website. The base is Lake Chuzenji, reached by ascending Irohazaka from Nikkō city.

Ōya-ji Temple of the Tendai sect in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is the 19th temple of the Bandō Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage and is popularly known as Ōya Kannon. The principal image is a Thousand-armed Kannon rock-cut Buddha carved into the tuff rock face, said to be the work of Kōbō Daishi and one of the oldest stone Buddhas in Japan. It is designated as a National Special Historic Site and Important Cultural Property. Behind the precincts stands the Peace Kannon, 27 meters high. Please confirm opening hours on the official website. The Ōya district from Utsunomiya city is the base.

Dokko-san Nishiyaku-ji Temple in Haga District, Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture, is the 20th temple on the Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. It is an ancient temple of the Shingon sect Toyama school, and the principal image is Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have been opened by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era. The three-story pagoda and thatched-roof Romon gate, built in the Muromachi period, are Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and it is also known for the smiling 'Laughing Enma'. Please confirm reception hours officially. Visiting in conjunction with a stroll through Mashiko, the town of pottery, is recommended.

An ancient temple of the Tendai sect, with the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. According to temple tradition, it was founded by En no Gyōja and later revived by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. It is located on the middle slope of Mount Hachimiso, the highest peak in Ibaraki Prefecture (around the 8th level), and its steep approach is known as one of the most difficult on the Bandō pilgrimage, with some pilgrims having worshipped from the foot of the mountain in the past. The access base is Daigo Town, famous for Fukuroda Falls. Please confirm Goshuin hours with the official website.

A temple of the Shingon sect Buzan school, Myōfuku-zan, with Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva as the principal image. It is also called Kitamuki Kannon because the main hall faces north. It is an ancient temple revered as the prayer hall of the Satake clan, a prominent family in Hitachi, and according to temple tradition, it was founded by Genmitsu Shōnin, who accompanied Emperor Kazan's pilgrimage. The main hall, rebuilt in the Muromachi period, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The access base is JR Hitachiōta Station. Please confirm opening hours on the official website.

A temple of the Fumon sect (a syncretic sect of Shingon Buddhism), affectionately known as Sabaku Kannon. The principal image is Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it is an ancient temple founded in the Hakuchi era when a hunter attained enlightenment of Kannon in the mountains of Sabaku. Later, it received the reverence of the lord of Kasama Castle. The mountain name Sabaku-san is the former site where Kasama Castle was built, and it is adjacent to the castle ruins. The access hub is JR Kasama Station, and Kasama Inari Shrine is also nearby. Please confirm reception hours officially.

A temple of the Shingon sect Toyama school on Amabiki-san, known as Amabiki Kannon. The principal image is Long Life Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it was opened in the reign of Emperor Yomei by Hōrin Dokushuko, and is also said to be related to Emperor Saga's prayer for rain. It has been revered as a sacred site for safe childbirth and child-rearing since ancient times. In June, approximately 100 varieties and 5,000 hydrangeas bloom in the temple grounds, making it lively with the Hydrangea Festival. The access hub is Sakuragawa City. Please confirm reception hours officially.

A temple of the Shingon Buzan sect, located on Mount Tsukuba, with the Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva as its principal image. According to temple tradition, Kōbō Daishi Kūkai carved and enshrined the Thousand-armed Kannon here. Located on the middle slope of the sacred Mount Tsukuba, the Tsukuba Shrine is situated very close by. Although it was temporarily abolished due to the separation of Buddhism and Shinto in the Meiji era, it has now been revived as a branch temple of Gokoku-ji Temple in Otsuka, Tokyo. The access base is at the foot of Mount Tsukuba in Tsukuba City. Please confirm Goshuin hours with the official website.

A temple of the Shingon sect Buzan school, Nanmei-zan, also known as Kiyotaki Kannon. The principal image is Sho Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it originated from the placement of a Sho Kannon statue, said to be made by Prince Shōtoku, on Ryūga-mine during the reign of Empress Suiko, and it is said that Tokuichi Shōnin moved it to the mountainside in the Dōyō era. The mountain gate, built in the Tenpō era, remains today. It is a temple located in a quiet mountain area, and the access base is the Ono district of Tsuchiura City. Please confirm opening hours on the official website.

The principal image is Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it began in the Nara period when a Kannon statue caught in a fisherman's net was enshrined. It is an ancient temple of the Shingon sect, said to have been consecrated by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and is affectionately known as 'Iinuma Kannon'. It is the 27th temple on the Bando Pilgrimage, and a vermilion-painted Niomon gate and a five-story pagoda approximately 33m high stand in the city of Choshi. JR Choshi Station and Choshi Electric Railway Kannon Station are the hubs. Please confirm reception hours and fees officially.

The principal image is Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it is a temple of the Tendai sect opened by Jikaku Daishi Ennin in the Jowah era, and it is called 'Namekawa Kannon' due to its origin of enshrining a Kannon statue obtained on the banks of the Odagawa River. It is the 28th temple on the Bando Pilgrimage, and its thatched-roof Niomon gate is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is also known for its blessings for safe childbirth and child-rearing. JR Namekawa Station is the nearest hub. Please confirm reception hours and fees officially.

The principal image is the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it originated in the second year of Wadō (709) when Gyōki, who was touring the eastern provinces, enshrined a Kannon statue, making it an ancient temple of the Shingon Buzan sect. In the Middle Ages, it was revered as a prayer hall of the Chiba clan. It is the 29th temple of the Bandō Pilgrimage, and a large ginkgo tree and the Takizo Shrine remain within the grounds. Keisei Chiba-dera Station is the nearest base. Please confirm Goshuin hours and fees with the official website.

The principal image is Sho Kannon Bodhisattva. It is a temple of the Shingon sect Buzan school, said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Yōmei, and is affectionately known as "Kōra Kannon". It is the 30th temple of the Bandō pilgrimage. The main hall is a unique elevated structure with a suspended floor, allowing people to walk underneath, and is a Kisarazu City designated cultural property. It is also known as a Kannon for matchmaking and conception. Buses from JR Kisarazu Station are the base. Please confirm opening hours and fees on the official website.

The principal image is Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. It is a special head temple of the Tendai sect, founded in 784 by Saicho, the great master of propagation, and is known as 'Kasumori Kannon'. It is the 31st temple on the Bando Pilgrimage. The Kannon-do, built on a large rock, is supported by 61 pillars and is Japan's only four-sided suspended structure, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The view from the aerial corridor and the natural forest, a National Natural Monument, are also highlights. Buses are available from JR Mobara Station. Please check the official website for reception hours and fees.

The principal image is Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva (a different temple from Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, this is an ancient temple in Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture). According to temple tradition, it is a temple of the Tendai sect called 'Kiyomizu Kannon', established by Jikaku Daishi Ennin who carved and enshrined a Thousand-armed Kannon, and is one of the Three Great Kiyomizu of Japan, along with those in Kyoto and Hyogo. It is the 32nd temple on the Bando Pilgrimage, and the Kannon Hall stands in the mountains. Buses from JR Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station and Mobara Station are the hubs. Please confirm reception hours and fees officially.

The principal image is Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, it was founded when Gyoki prayed for the recovery of Emperor Gensho and enshrined a Kannon statue. It is a Shingon sect Chizan school temple known as 'Nago Kannon'. It is the final temple of the Bando Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage, marking the end of the pilgrimage. The Kannon-do is located on the middle slope of Mt. Nago overlooking Tateyama Bay, and the view is a highlight. JR Nago-Funagata Station is the nearest base. Please check the official website for reception hours and fees.