Virtual Kako County Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #33 Saiho-ji Temple

 

     Saiho-ji Temple was founded in the mid-Edo period (1603–1867) in Nagasuna Village, Kako County, Harima Province. A defining moment in the temple’s history occurred in 1717, during a nationwide cultural boom surrounding the legend of Princess Chujo (Chujohime). In this year, the temple's 14th chief priest, Giryu, dedicated the Taima Mandala, a sacred and intricate Buddhist painting depicting the Pure Land (Buddhist Paradise). This masterpiece was painted by Takuma Ryoga, a celebrated Buddhist painter who held the prestigious title of Hokkyo during the Kamakura period (1185–1333).

      Desiring to share the profound teachings of this mandala and the inspiring faith of Princess Chujo with the local community, Priest Giryu established the temple's signature annual event: the Chujohime Twenty-Five Bodhisattva Procession Ceremony (Amida Raigo Neri-kuyo). To ensure its spiritual authenticity, the ritual’s sacred masks, dazzling costumes, and ceremonial procedures were formally brought to Saiho-ji Temple from Tokusho-ji Temple in Arida (Wakayama Prefecture), a historic sanctuary where Princess Chujo once lived.

     Held every year on May 3rd to commemorate the anniversary of Princess Chujo's passing, this Buddhist folk ritual remains a profound spiritual spectacle. A solemn procession of twenty-five bodhisattvas, adorned in radiant costumes and golden masks, quietly crosses the vermilion Raigo-bashi bridge leading to the main hall, which symbolizes the Pure Land of Amida Buddha.

Address: 567 Noguchicho, Kakogawa, Hyogo 675-0016

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