Kichijō-ji Temple

Overview

Kichijō-ji, counted as the 11th Gunma temple among the Hundred Flower Temples of Eastern Japan, follows the Rinzai Kenchō-ji branch in Kawaba, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture. Bearing the mountain name Seiryūzan, it enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image.

Highlights

• ●Tucked into the quiet mountain village of Kawaba, this temple follows the Rinzai school's Kenchō-ji lineage and takes Seiryūzan as its mountain name
• ●The main hall quietly enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image
• ●The 11th Gunma temple among the Hundred Flower Temples of Eastern Japan
• ●The Harukoma festival, offered at the Kinkō Inari hall within the grounds

History

Known year-round for one recurring event, the temple hosts the Harukoma Festival each February 11, when young men from the local youth association dress as women and go door to door through the neighborhood. Recognized by Gunma Prefecture as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property under the name "Monzen Harukoma," the tradition culminates in an offering at the Kinkō Inari hall on the grounds. The temple itself follows the Kenchō-ji branch of the Rinzai school, bears the mountain name Seiryūzan, and enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image.

Map

36.6967, 139.0962 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit Seiryūzan Kichijō-ji, tucked away in this quiet mountain village
2. 2Offer a quiet prayer to the principal image, Shakyamuni Buddha
3. 3Walk the grounds during flowering season, a noted stop on the Hundred Flower Temples of Eastern Japan
4. 4Watch the procession offered at the Kinkō Inari hall during the February 11 Harugoma Festival

Did you know?

💡 The Harukoma festival held on February 11 is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture as "Monzen Harukoma."

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