Overview
Fumon-bo is a temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Yokomachi, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture. Its mountain name is Daihizan, and its principal image is Bato Kannon, the horse-headed form of the bodhisattva of compassion. Known as the tenth stop on the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage, it has long taken its place along a route of Kannon devotion. Set within the town of Nagai, it keeps a quiet presence as a pilgrimage temple that has walked alongside the prayers of local people.
Highlights
- ●The tenth stop on the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage
- ●Bato Kannon enshrined as the principal image
- ●A Buzan-branch Shingon temple bearing the mountain name Daihizan
- ●A place of Kannon devotion alive within the town of Nagai
History
Fumon-bo belongs to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism and has borne the mountain name Daihizan. Its principal image, Bato Kannon, is counted among the six Kannon and is known for drawing devotion long tied to roads and travel. That the temple is the tenth stop on the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage speaks to how this place has formed part of the Kannon pilgrimage of the Okitama region. Over many years it has welcomed pilgrims and carried the area's Kannon faith down to the present day.
Access
The temple lies near latitude 38.12 and longitude 140.04 in Yokomachi, Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture. Nagai is a town of the Okitama region served by the Flower Nagai Line, and it can be reached from the nearest railway station by way of the town center. As Yokomachi is within the built-up area, a visit combining public transport and walking is easy to arrange. It is best to confirm visiting hours and pilgrimage stamp services in advance through Nagai City tourism information or the pilgrimage's official sources.
Best season
Because it is a pilgrimage stop within the town, it is easy to visit year-round, though the mild months from spring through autumn are especially pleasant for a walk. If you wish to enjoy the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage as well, early summer to early autumn, when the days are long and walking is easy, is a good guide. Winter brings snow, so dress warmly and mind your footing when you visit.
Map
38.1152, 140.0357 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Visit Fumon-bo in Yokomachi, Nagai City, and pray before the Bato Kannon
- 2Learn of the mountain name Daihizan and its history as a pilgrimage stop
- 3Worship here as one station of the Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon route
- 4Walk the streets of Nagai and extend your trip to nearby sights
Did you know?
💡 Bato Kannon, the principal image, is often depicted with a wrathful expression and is known as one of the most forceful figures among the six Kannon. The Okitama Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage, on which Fumon-bo serves as the tenth stop, is a devotional route linking Kannon halls scattered across the Okitama region, and visiting each stop has been said to accumulate merit. For details on pilgrimage etiquette and temple stamps, it is best to check the official information.
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