Before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage" was held twice a year, and it resumed on November 16, 2022.
Despite it being a weekday, more than 30 participants gathered and toured from the meeting place at Kanryuji Temple to the Bikan Historical Area, Mukaiyama, and Kurashiki City center.
We will introduce the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage", which allows you to feel the cultural heritage from the Edo period, focusing on photographs.
What is the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage"?
The "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage" is derived from the "Shikoku 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage," which involves visiting temples associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai).
In the past, due to distance, time, and financial reasons, it was not easy to cross over to Shikoku, so a "transferred pilgrimage" was created as a small-scale version of the Shikoku pilgrimage across the country.
The "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage" is one of the transferred pilgrimages located in Kurashiki City center.
Now, let's go together!
To participate in the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage," no prior reservation is particularly required.
You can participate by going to the parking lot of Kanryuji Temple by the gathering time on the day.
Gather at Kanryuji Temple's parking lot
Despite the early hour of 8:30 AM, many participants (about 30 people) gathered at the parking lot of Kanryuji Temple.
First-time participants are divided into Group 1, while those who have participated more than once are in Group 2.
▼ Mr. Kato, a certified guide for the Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage, leads Group 1, while Mr. Chushun from Kanryuji Temple leads Group 2.
▼ Departing from the parking lot of Kanryuji Temple.
The first sacred site is the 74th sacred site, which is located immediately to the right as you head towards the Tsurugata Tunnel from the Bikan Historical Area.
It is hidden among houses, so it may be difficult to find if you are not paying attention.
▼ Here is the 74th sacred site.
It is marked by red and white banners and a sacred site made of stone.
Climb the stone steps on the right, turn left, and return to Kanryuji Temple once.
Introduction of the guides and the retirement of Mr. Chida (secretariat)
Returning to Kanryuji Temple, before starting the walk in earnest, there was an introduction of the guides.
▼ From the left are Mr. Okuda, Mr. Uchida, Mr. Kato, Mr. Chida, Mr. Nakahara Sanpodo (3 people), and Mr. Chushun from Kanryuji Temple.
Here, the retirement of Mr. Chida, who has worked hard as the secretariat for the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage," was announced.
Mr. Chida, who is currently 90 years old, has dedicated himself as the secretariat for about 30 years.
While feeling a sense of sadness at Mr. Chida's retirement, who has supported this association for many years with deep faith, we cannot help but wish for the "Kurashiki 88 Sacred Sites" to be preserved and passed on in the future.
It was also introduced that the Kurashiki Central Rotary Club and others will assist in the future.
▼ Mr. Chida giving a speech. He appears to be in great health, not at all what you would expect from a 90-year-old. Surely, he has the blessings of the Great Master.
Around Tsurugata Mountain, heading towards Mukaiyama
▼ Next, the author joined near the 32nd sacred site. We will also navigate through narrow, steep paths like this.
▼ After descending from the 32nd sacred site, we reached Honmachi Street in the Bikan Historical Area. Here, I was able to meet Mr. Chida, who was touring separately.
His dignified presence gives me energy.
Heading south from the Bikan Historical Area towards Mukaiyama, let's visit the 66th and 85th sacred sites.
▼ While participants visit each sacred site, the staff are organizing offerings.
It is also necessary to carefully clean each sacred site, rather than leaving offerings like rice and coins as they are.
▼ From here, we will climb towards Mukaiyama in earnest.
Steep mountain paths continue, so let's walk slowly at a pace that suits you, without rushing.
▼ One of the recommended scenic views by the author.
From the middle of Mukaiyama, you can get a panoramic view of Kurashiki's city center.
In the center, you can see Kanryuji Temple, the starting point, and in the foreground, the red brick Kurashiki Ivy Square, with Achi Shrine visible on the mountain (Tsurugata Mountain) to the right.
▼A stronghold of the 50th pilgrimage site stands in the mountains of Mukoyama.
Without the guidance of a seasoned pilgrim, it is not easy to navigate without getting lost. I am once again amazed by the depth of the mountains visible from Kurashiki City.
Moreover, I am grateful that the pilgrimage paths that had been lost in the past have been rediscovered and are still maintained and protected today.
▼The pilgrimage around the spiritual sites of Mukoyama, mainly along mountain paths, has come to an end, and I have descended into the city.
To my left, I can see the Kurashiki City Office.
▼The 60th pilgrimage site.
Doesn't it look like the main deity is watching over the participants?
▼The 59th pilgrimage site.
Along the way, I was able to see many ginkgo trees turning yellow. It reminds me of the autumn season.
▼I have approached Kanryuji Temple, the place of completion (kechigan).
However, I cannot head directly to Kanryuji Temple from here; I must still go significantly west from this point.
▼The 63rd pilgrimage site.
As I approach the Bikan Historical Area, I walk along narrow paths densely populated with houses.
It likely evokes the image of a path of life that has not changed much over the years and is also a pilgrimage path.
Towards the Bikan Historical Area and Kurashiki City
▼A signpost at the 48th pilgrimage site.
This is the signpost for "Kurashiki Henro" that the author had not noticed until now. Don't you think it fits well with the pilgrimage with its handmade feel and simplicity?
Searching for it while wandering is one of the joys.
▼The 68th pilgrimage site.
Located to the north of the Kurashiki Museum of Natural History and Kurashiki Central Library, this pilgrimage site is well-secured with a sturdy block wall, and lanterns and stone pillars are also maintained. It is one of the pilgrimage sites that makes you feel how much the community has cherished and protected it.
▼On the way to the 70th pilgrimage site, I captured the moment when Group 1 and Group 2 passed each other. The participants seem to show a bit of fatigue.
▼The 49th pilgrimage site.
I had not noticed the entrance to this pilgrimage site as it is usually closed, but upon further inspection, I feel a sense of individuality in the enshrinement place.
It is enshrined in a beautifully curved cave-like space.
▼To the left, I can see the large complex commercial facility "Achi Terrace Kurashiki", and I have returned to the area in front of Kurashiki Station.
Next to "Achi Terrace Kurashiki", there remains an old townscape reminiscent of the Showa era, and I head towards Kanryuji Temple while feeling the passage of time.
▼The 80th pilgrimage site.
This site has been restored within the grounds of "Achi Terrace Kurashiki" and is a particularly refined pilgrimage site. Although this site is usually closed, it can be visited closely during the "Kurashiki 88 Pilgrimage Tour".
▼The main deity and the substitute Daishi (80th pilgrimage site).
Within the pilgrimage site, the main deity, the Thousand-Armed Kannon, and the substitute Daishi are enshrined.
In particular, when I closely observe the substitute Daishi on the right, I feel a strong, compelling power that makes it hard for me to continue staring, perhaps because its face is more weathered.
▼At the 80th temple, we received hospitality.
We were also treated to the hospitality. It truly makes me happy to feel that sentiment, including the preparations.
The Place of Completion: Kanryuji Temple
▼From the west approach of Achi Shrine, we ascend Mt. Tsurugata and head towards Kanryuji Temple.
Somehow, I could sense a feeling of relief from the participants' backs, as if to say, "We're almost at the goal."
We have arrived at Kanryuji Temple, the place of completion for the Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage.
Completion means visiting all the temples.
After entering the Daishi Hall and chanting the Heart Sutra with the vice abbot of Kanryuji Temple and the participants, we were also treated to hospitality.
Thanks to the efforts of the local people, including Mr. Kato, who is a guide, the story of how the "Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage" is regularly maintained remains in my heart.
After receiving a talk from Abbot Murata of Kanryuji Temple, the "Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage," which lasted for about 7 hours from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, has finally concluded.
In Conclusion
It was impressive to see many participants who had completed the pilgrimage with bright expressions of accomplishment despite their fatigue.
- I want to receive the blessings of the Great Master
- I love pilgrimage
- I love Kurashiki
- I want to know a deeper side of Kurashiki
- For my health, etc.
The reasons for participating may vary.
However, even if the purposes are not the same, by participating and walking, one can notice the landscapes of Kurashiki that are usually unseen, which is the charm of the "Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage."
I believe that the experience of as many people as possible will lead to the inheritance of the "Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage" in the future.
The author has participated since spring of 2022.
This time, unfortunately, I could not visit all the temples, but I was able to spend a fulfilling day feeling the blessings of the Great Master.
The next event is scheduled for March 10, 2023 (Friday).
Next time, I would like to enjoy the "Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage" not as a writer, but as a "participant."
Let’s walk together through the cultural heritage from the Edo period!
The "Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage" is managed and operated with the support of local residents, including those who served as guides.
However, the executive committee faces challenges such as aging and a lack of personnel, and they are looking for people who can help and even become committee members. If you are interested, please inquire below.
Okuda Toy Store
2-23-7 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 086-422-3052
Data on the Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage
| Name | Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage |
|---|---|
| Date | Every year in March and November, gathering at 8:30 AM, departure (※The next event is scheduled for March 10, 2023 (Friday)) |
| Location | Advisor of the Kurashiki 88 Temples Pilgrimage: Kanryuji Temple |
