Virtual Iruhi Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #7 Kannon-ji Temple

 

     We can find many Suzumiya, or Suzunomiya, Shrines across Japan, but their history is almost unknown.  Some say they have something to do with horse bells.  In East Asia in the 6th century, putting a bell or bells on a horse became trendy.  They were originally made of bronze in China, but earthen bells were sometimes used instead in Japan.

     Another Suzumiya Shrine was founded in Hongo Village, Hiki County, Musashi Province, presumably inviting a god from a Suzunomiya Shrine in the other part of Japan.  Sometime between 1615 and 1624, Kannon-ji Temple was founded as its shrine temple by Koei.  It is unknown whether Koei was a priest or not.

     Kannon-ji Temple is priest-less and is administered by Komyo-ji Temple.  Suzumiya Shrine was merged.  All in all, the religious zenith of Hongo has passed.

Address: 551 Hongo, Tokigawa, Hiki District, Saitama 355-0353

Komyo-ji Temple

Address: 3017 Tamagawa, Tokigawa, Hiki District, Saitama 355-0342

Phone: 0493-65-0546