Tokyo Day Trip Chichibu Pilgrimage Shared Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour is available upon request. We will formally accept reservations once arrangements are complete, with a minimum of 5 participants required.
Welcome to Chichibu, just 90 minutes from Tokyo!
Your dedicated guide will lead the way.
Chichibu is a basin region surrounded by mountains, where rich nature and historical culture remain.
The Chichibu Pilgrimage involves visiting the 34 sacred Kannon temples scattered throughout the Chichibu region. During the Edo period, many people visited the area as a place of worship.
This approximately 6-hour tour involves walking pilgrimage while explaining the basic etiquette for temple visits and the characteristics of each temple.Pilgrimage attire is available for rent upon request. Along the way, participants can experience zazen meditation and sutra copying, making for a mindful and refreshing day.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Zukyosan Shimabuji Temple
Chichibu Pilgrimage Temple No. 1: Shimabu-ji | Start your Chichibu Pilgrimage at Shimabu-ji, Temple No. 1 of the 34 sacred sites.Here, you'll don the traditional white pilgrim's vest (oizuru) and learn the basic rituals marking the start of your journey. Kind local practitioners will guide you through the customs and share stories about the pilgrimage's long history. You will also receive your own personal goshuin stamp book to collect seals along the way. This will be a heartwarming keepsake, marking your first step into Chichibu's living Buddhist tradition. （From here,walking pilgrimage - 45min)
Iwamotosan Josenji Temple
Chichibu Pilgrimage Temple No. 3: Jōsen-ji | The third stop on the pilgrimage, is a place of deep spiritual healing nestled serenely within tranquil rice fields, offering a perfect pause to refresh the body and mind. It is widely known as the "Kannon of Conception", where devotees pray to the Stone of Conception (Komochi-ishi) for the blessing of children. Visitors can also sample the Water of Longevity (Chōmei-sui), a sacred spring believed to cure ailments and grant long life. As a central part of your experience here, you will partake in Shōjin Ryōri (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), enjoying a humble yet profoundly nourishing meal in the temple's quiet setting, allowing you to cleanse your spirit and prepare for the journey ahead. （From here,walking pilgrimage - 30min)
What‘s Included
Gosyuincho／Stamp
Oizuru Rental Fee
Shōjin Ryōri (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine）
Own transportation fee to Chichibu is not included.
Options
Tokyo Day Trip Chichibu Pilgrimage Shared Walking Tour
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Becoming a Buddhist pilgrim for a day in a gorgeous rural landscape
Dave D,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was very well organized and Sachiko-san, the English-speaking guide, was knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. Fortunately, the weather was perfect too. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in Japanese Buddhism, as it gives a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of temple life and what it feels like to go on a pilgrimage - albeit compressed into a few hours - in an area that is still unspoiled by mass tourism, despite being within easy reach of Tokyo. The "shojin-ryori" (meatless food prepared by a priest) was delicious and presented with care, along with an explanation of the various ingredients. The opportunity to engage in meditative practices was also enlightening and easy for the uninitiated to appreciate within a manageable time frame. The walking distance, taking in four temples in beautiful rural surroundings, was just long enough without being too taxing, thanks to the ideal weather. The temple priests were able to provide some fascinating information about the various unique points of each location, and I was provided with a book into which the seals of each temple were stamped and inscribed with calligraphy in front of my eyes as I waited. Now that I have this beautiful souvenir of my visit, I'm inspired to return and complete the rest of the pilgrimage: only 30 more temples to go :-) I'm very grateful to everyone involved in this tour, which I thought was well worth the price, given the kind and individual attention that was given to me. I'll never forget it.
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Operated by 秩父地域おもてなし観光公社