Place of worship • 1586 Bessho, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0054, Japan
Temple No. 24 of the 34 Kannon Pilgrimage sites in Chichibu, Hosenji. As you stand before its gate, the first thing that catches your eye is the 116 stone steps. These steps are not just a pathway. They are a bridge from the mundane to the spiritual world. With each step up, the daily hustle and bustle fades away, and a sense of tranquility and sanctity envelops your heart.
At the top of the steps stands the Kannon Hall, built in the mid-Edo period. Known for its unique three-bay square structure, it is flanked by imposing Nio statues. These statues seem to warmly welcome worshippers while also exuding an aura that drives away evil spirits.
The origins of Hosenji date back to the 8th century with the ascetic monk Taicho Daishi. The site retains intriguing legends that blend Hakusan and Ise beliefs, hinted at in the hymns with words like
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