Chichibu Pilgrimage Walking Tour with Zen Meditation and Lunch

After meeting your tour conductor, depart from Ikebukuro Station at 8:30 AM.

With advance notice you may also board directly at Tokorozawa Station or Hanno Station.

Travel for 1 hour 21 minutes aboard a Limited Express train (reserved standard-class seat) to Seibu-Chichibu Station, the gateway to the sacred pilgrimage sites of Chichibu.

About the Chichibu Grand Kaicho:
From March 18 to November 30, 2026, the temples of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage hold the Grand Kaicho, a special event that takes place only once every 12 years. During this period, the doors of the temple sanctuaries are opened and visitors have the opportunity to pay respects to the principal images that are normally hidden from public view.

After approximately 40 minutes of travel, visit with a guide Kannon-in (Temple No. 31), one of the most dramatic locations along the Chichibu pilgrimage route.

Known for its spectacular setting beneath towering rock cliffs, the temple is surrounded by rugged mountain scenery that creates an atmosphere of seclusion and spirituality. Hidden deep within nature, the temple has long attracted worshippers seeking a peaceful place for prayer and reflection.

Continue on foot to the Oku-no-In, the temple's inner sanctuary. The route offers an opportunity to experience the natural landscape and mountain worship traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.

During the 2026 Grand Kaicho, visitors have the rare opportunity to participate during the special period when the normally concealed principal images of the pilgrimage temples are opened to the public.

After approximately 15 minutes of travel, enjoy lunch at Genroku. The meal showcases local Chichibu specialties and includes a Waraji Katsudon, a rice bowl topped with a large breaded pork cutlet, along with regional dishes such as miso potatoes, miso-seasoned konjac, and pickled shakushina (local vegetable) greens.

After approximately 15 minutes of travel, continue to Hoshoji (Temple No. 32), another historic pilgrimage site known for its striking mountain setting.

The temple preserves the atmosphere of traditional mountain worship and is surrounded by dramatic rock formations and forested landscapes. During your guided visit, participate in a Zen meditation experience, providing an opportunity to experience an important aspect of Japanese Buddhist practice.

You will also be guided to Ofune Kannon, one of the temple's most famous sacred sites. Reached via mountain paths that include chains installed to assist climbers in steeper sections, the viewpoint rewards visitors with impressive scenery and a unique sense of adventure. The combination of religious heritage and rugged natural landscapes makes Hoshoji one of the most distinctive locations on the Chichibu pilgrimage route.

After completing the pilgrimage walk, return to Seibu-Chichibu Station.

Board the Limited Express train (reserved standard-class seat) for the return journey that takes 1 hour 21 minutes.

Guests may disembark at Hanno Station or Tokorozawa Station before continuing to Ikebukuro Station.

The tour concludes at Ikebukuro Station at approximately 6:46 PM.