HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Pilgrimage to Kegonji Temple
Pay a temple visit to Tanigumisan Kegonji, part of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
Ibigawa Town, Gifu Prefecture
Kegonji temple was founded in 798 and is known as both the final site of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and a wish-granting temple. The pilgrimage was granted Japanese Heritage designation in 2019.
Some pilgrims arriving at Kegonji Temple dedicate their clothes or accessories to Oizuru Hall to show their appreciation. Koyasudo is another popular hall where couples visit to offer bibs along with prayers for healthy pregnancies and children. Many visitors touch two bronze carps on the pillars before the main hall, which symbolize a return to a regular life, or rebirth, after the long pilgrimage, because carps are said to become dragons. Another fun experience is Kaidanmeguri, or finding a lucky charm hung on the wall of the dark basement.
Enjoy cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, fall leaves, and even snow on a beautiful 800-meter approach filled with traditional Japanese restaurants and ryokans leading up to the temple. Some of the seasonal events include a traditional local dance performance called Tanigumiodori, the potted plum tree exhibition known as the bonbai festival, and mamemaki, or bean scattering, on Setsubun.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station, take the JR Tokaido Main Line to Ogaki Station (about 40 minutes), then take either the Yoro Line to Ibi Station or the Tarumi Line to Tanigumiguchi Station.
23 Tanigumitokuzumi, Ibigawa-cho, Ibi-gun, Gifu-ken
