Announcement of "Chichibu Fudasho Gosaisho Maruwakari Festa!!" Limited to 700 People on July 18 (Sat.)

The Chichibu Fudasho Visitor Promotion Council (Chairman: Yukiyasu Shibahara) will hold the event "Chichibu Fudasho Gosaisho Maruwakari Festa!!" to widely promote the appeal of the Gosaisho, coinciding with the fourth month since the start of the once-in-12-years special event "Chichibu Fudasho Gosaisho." The event will take place on July 18, Reiwa 8 (2026) (Sat.) at the Chichibu Palace Memorial Civic Hall. On the day, through a variety of programs, the charm and enjoyment of the Chichibu Fudasho and the Gosaisho will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner.

Background

The Chichibu Fudasho is a pilgrimage route with approximately 790 years of history, consisting of 34 temples in the Chichibu region.

This year is the year of the "Chichibu Fudasho Gosaisho," when all 34 Chichibu Fudasho temples simultaneously open their inner sanctuaries once every 12 years.

From March 18 to November 30, for approximately 8 months, it is a special opportunity for anyone to directly worship Kannon, the hidden Buddha.

To mark the four-month milestone, this event is being held to further enhance the enjoyment of the Chichibu Fudasho for both those who have not yet started their pilgrimage and those who are currently undertaking it.

Event Overview

At this event, we will convey the charm of the Chichibu Fudasho in a fun and easy-to-understand way through a variety of programs, including a comedy routine by the comedy duo "Kannon Biyori" formed by monks, historical explanations by Fudasho monks, and a talk session between "Mihotoke," who is active as a comedian and a researcher of temples and Buddhist statues, and Mr. Shibahara, a monk of the Chichibu Fudasho.

The content is designed for anyone to easily participate, from those who want to start their pilgrimage, those who are already enjoying it, to those interested in history and culture.

Implementation Details

10:10 AM - Comedy Duo "Kannon Biyori"

A comedy duo formed in 2016 by two monks. Their manzai (stand-up comedy) routines, themed around Buddhism and the daily lives of monks, are popular.

10:30 AM - Chichibu Fudasho Talk Session

Yukiyasu Shibahara (Chief Priest of Myojoji Temple, Fudasho No. 11), Chairman of the Chichibu Fudasho Visitor Promotion Council, will give a talk. He will gently explain the history of the Chichibu Fudasho and how to enjoy the Gosaisho.

11:15 AM - Talk Session "Exploring the Charm of Chichibu Fudasho!"

"Mihotoke," a comedian and researcher of temples and Buddhist statues, and Chief Priest Shibahara will discuss the "charm of the Fudasho."

12:00 PM - Announcements

Information on the ongoing "Good Luck Stamp Rally" and future events will be provided.

Concurrent Events

Reiwa Kannon Special Exhibition The "Reiwa Kannon," the 35th Kannon statue born as a symbol of the Chichibu Fudasho in the year of the Reiwa era change, for which consecration ceremonies were held at all 34 Chichibu Fudasho temples, will be specially exhibited.

Josaku Maeda Mandala Exhibition An exhibition featuring 34 mandala paintings from the "Chichibu Pilgrimage Series," which Josaku Maeda, a renowned mandala artist, created as his life's work, along with 1 "Nihon Hyakukannon" (100 Kannon of Japan) works, totaling 35 pieces. The "Chichibu Pilgrimage Series" consists of works where Maeda actually visited the Chichibu Fudasho and depicted their principal images and main halls, while the "Nihon Hyakukannon" represents the mudras (hand gestures) of the principal images of the 100 Kannon of Saigoku, Bandō, and Chichibu in mandala form.

Period

July 8 (Wed.) - July 21, Reiwa 8 (2026)

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location

Chichibu City History and Culture Transmission Center, 1st Floor, Exchange Floor

Admission Fee

Free

Details

Event Name

Chichibu Fudasho Gosaisho Maruwakari Festa!!

Date and Time

July 18, Reiwa 8 (2026) (Sat.) 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Venue

Chichibu Palace Memorial Civic Hall

Address

1-15 Kumaki-cho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, 368-0032, 1F

Capacity

700 people

Participation Fee

Free (Advance application required)

Official URL (Application)

https://forms.gle/ByiG3dfyzGDMbBAz5

*Parking is limited, so please use public transportation.

Contact Information

Chichibu Fudasho Visitor Promotion Council

TEL: 0494-25-1170 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)