Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage [1] (中国三十三観音霊場 chugoku san-juu-san kannon reijou) was designated a pilgrimage route in 1981. Each of the thirty-three temples on this pilgrimage route worships Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Although the pilgrimage route officially consists of thirty-three temples, there are an additional four temples considered to be "Special Sacred Temples" (特別霊場 tokubetsu-reijou) that, despite not being given numbers, are considered to be part of the pilgrimage route.
Touring a temple is sometimes more fun on special occasions and festival days. Below are some festivals and special events held at the temples along the pilgrimage route.
Spring Kannon Matsuri - A festival dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy known for its inclusion of fire-walking (walking on hot coals) held on the second Sunday in February at Ryuzoji Temple in Yamaguchi
Saidaiji Eyo - The infamous Naked Man Festival held at Saidaiji Temple in Okayama Held on the third Saturday in February.
Eshiki Hoyo Originating back in the Muromachi Period it is an intangible cultural property of Okayama Prefecture and one of the top three festivals of its kind featuring a procession and ceremony of gold-masked priests. Held on the third Sunday in April at Tanjoji Temple in Kumenan.
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