Hikami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage

     Hikami 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in 1890.

     The Tamba people love Kannon, or Avalokitesvara.  Tamba Province has Tamba 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, with its 33 member temples across the province.  Tamba Province had 6 counties.  4 out of the 6, Amata, Ayabe, North Kuwada, and Hikami, had their own 33 Kannon pilgrimage.  Even outside the pilgrimages, they had other Kannon statues.

     Kami-ichiba Kannon-do Temple, for example, displays their hidden Kannon statue every 33 years.  The latest display was held on February the 15th, 2018.  On the day, the priest of #16 Juju-ji Temple solemnly chanted sutras, and respectfully opened the vermillion sacred cabinet.  The sparkling golden Kannon statue of Sahasrabhuja, who has 1,000 arms, showed itself to the community members of 24 families, who have maintained and protected the statue for countless generations.  An 83-year-old lady, who had luckily participated in 3 displays, said, “I’m afraid I don’t deserve the 3 opportunities, but feel very thankful.”  A 16-year-old boy said, “It’s my first opportunity, and I’m impressed!” A 73-year-old man, who was in charge of the display, said, “As we have fewer families, it's pretty tough to arrange the display, but we feel relieved now."