Highlights from the
Sasaguri 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Temple of the Mountain King (Sannoji)
One of the more secluded temples, Sannoji is nevertheless distinguished from the other temples in the area with it's tanuki (racoon dog) theme.
In case the hundreds of tanuki statues lining the shrine area doesn't convince you, there is another huge statue waiting for you at the top of the temple stairs. As you venture up, you'll be greeted by a bubble machine blowing out bubbles at all visitors (the machine is motion triggered, no godly powers at work here). |
Momijigataki Temple
紅葉ヶ滝薬師堂 Momijigataki temple is literally translated as autumn foliage falls temple.
While that could already be an invitation for visitors to visit during autumn, the sight of hundreds of buddha statues in an enclosed area access with an ancient rock gate will give you a feeling entering a video game. |
Thousand Crane Temple (千鶴寺 Chizuru Temple)
In a remote area up the mountains of Sasaguri, Chizuru temple has hundreds of wind chimes in a corner which jingle in the mountain winds.
Visitors will be greeted by the owl statue right at the entrance. and if you stroll around the temple, you'll find a bubbling stream running alongside. |
Waterfall Temple (一ノ瀧寺 Ichinotaki Temple)
Ichinotaki temple is located up the hill from Chikuzen-Yamate Station. It can otherwise be reached by pilgrims via the mountain path from Kidonanzoin-Mae Station.
Take note, however, the northern mountain path will take up 3 hours if you visit every temple along the way and take pictures/ videos. Ichinotaki temple is unique amongst the 88 for being one of the larger ones integrated into the waterfall beside it. The main temple building, where usually one staff member is rostered, is reached from the small bridge crossing the river and the rest of the temple can be explored using the small rock paths alongside the river. This place is only partially accessible on wheelchair so visitors should take note. |
Nanzoin, Home of the Reclining Buddha
Nanzoin, being the first stop of the Sasaguri pilgrimage, is visited by more than a million people a year.
Legend has it a monk won the lottery multiple times and as thanks for his windfall, he donated a huge sum for the construction of the reclining buddha statue in Nanzoin so that it can house the rumoured ashes of Buddha. Henceforth, the famous reclining Buddha statue of Nanzoin is here for all to marvel at. Given that Nanzoin is one of the main temple complexes in the area, the temple complex area has multiple buildings, tunnels and things to explore for visitors. Highlights include the tunnel with the 7 fortune gods altar (shichifukujin) that leads to the reclining buddha, the mountain paths that lead to smaller shrines dotted around the area, the huge statue of raijin (the lightning god) and the semi hidden path that cuts right to the mountain top*. * please take care when going up the path as it is not well maintained and the bamboo can fall and hit unwary visitors. With so much to see, Nanzoin is definitely a must visit for people exploring the Sasaguri area. |
遍照院 Henjo-in (above and right)
Pilgrims along the 88 temple walk will eventually see the silhouette of a monk statue standing solemnly on top of an altar 5-6m tall.
Approaching the temple, visitors will then see that the altar can actually be entered (!) via an entrance underneath the statue. Fear not, the tunnel is actually lit and allows worshippers to pass through while paying their respects to the buddha statues within. |
Sample Itinerary (showing only main temples to visit): 5k
Northern route - about 5km (will pass by at least 7 temples)
1 Nanzoin - shortcut through the forest path
2 Chizuru Temple
3 Ichinotaki Temple
Southern route - about 5km (will pass by at least 8 temples)
1 Hennjouin
2 Sannouji
3 Nanzoin
1 Nanzoin - shortcut through the forest path
2 Chizuru Temple
3 Ichinotaki Temple
Southern route - about 5km (will pass by at least 8 temples)
1 Hennjouin
2 Sannouji
3 Nanzoin