Chichibu Fudasho No.1 Shimabu-ji Temple
The Kannon Hall was built in 1697 and was once painted bright red, making it visually striking for pilgrims.
The grounds also feature the Sejikiden, a hall where offerings are made to hungry and suffering spirits.
Every year on August 24, the Segakie Ceremony is held for these spirits. With a history of around 500 years, it is one of the three major Segakie ceremonies in the Greater Tokyo area.
Chichibu Fudasho No.1 Shimabu-ji Temple
- Japanese / English notation
- 誦経山 四萬部寺（ずきょうさん しまぶじ）/ Zukyo-San Shimabu-ji Temple
- Location
- 〒368-0002 Tochiya418, Chichibu-shi, Saitama
- School
- Soto Zen School
- Principal Image
- Sho Kannon (Sacred Kannon)
- Tagline
- The Temple Where Wishes Begin
- Blessings
- Good Health
- Fulfillment of Vows
- Warding Off Bad Luck and Good Fortune
- Highlights
- Main Hall front upper panels: These have carvings of hell and paradise.
- Shaka Statue Returning Home: This statue was lost in the late 19th century. About 70 years later, it was found at an art dealer in Tokyo and returned to the temple.
- Main Hall ceiling: This has a dragon artwork.
- Miracles of Kannon at This Temple
- Gentsu
Long ago, a respected monk named Gentsu came to Chichibu and recited 40,000 sutras, burying them in the ground to create a sutra mound. Through this act of devotion, many people were saved, and worship at the site continued for generations. The temple’s name, Shimabu-ji, which means “Forty Thousand Sutras Temple,” is said to come from this memorial mound.
- Nearest station
- 45-minutes walk from Chichibu Railway Wado Kuroya Station.