What Is the Hyakukannon Pilgrimage?

One of Japan’s Most Expansive and Historic Pilgrimages

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Japan is home to many traditional pilgrimage routes, but among them, the Hyakukannon Pilgrimage (One Hundred Kannon Pilgrimage) stands out for its vast scale and deep historical significance.

The term Hyakukannon refers collectively to the following three Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) pilgrimage routes:

• Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage (established in the Nara period)
• Bandō 33 Kannon Pilgrimage (established in the Kamakura period)
• Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage (developed around the Muromachi period)

Each originated in a different era and region, reflecting Japan’s long-standing and diverse traditions of Buddhist devotion.

From Saigoku to Bandō to Chichibu — The Birth of the Hyakukannon

+Saigoku 33 Kannon (Nara period)
The oldest Kannon pilgrimage in Japan, centered in the Kansai region. It is often regarded as the foundation of Japan’s Kannon worship.

+Bandō 33 Kannon (Kamakura period)
Modeled after the Saigoku pilgrimage and established in the Kantō region.
This route covers a distance of approximately 1,300 kilometers, a remarkable journey considering that it was originally traveled entirely on foot.

+Chichibu 34 Kannon (Muromachi period)
Located in the Chichibu region of present-day Saitama.

Originally consisting of 33 temples, its increase to 34 is evidenced by a stone monument dated 1525 (Daiei 5) at the ruins of Iwao Castle in Nagano Prefecture.

The inscription lists:

“Chichibu 34 / Saigoku 33 / Bandō 33”

This discovery suggests that the concept of the Hyakukannon—100 Kannon pilgrimage—was already conceived by this time.

The Hyakukannon Pilgrimage — Once Considered the Most Difficult in Japan

Because it spans from western to eastern Japan, the Hyakukannon pilgrimage has historically been considered one of the most challenging:

• ・Enormous distances
• ・Numerous mountainous temples
• ・Difficult travel conditions in pre-modern times

For these reasons, very few people historically managed to complete the entire pilgrimage.

In recent years, however, interest in the Hyakukannon pilgrimage has grown once again.
As transportation has improved, more people are attempting this extensive journey, and we at our studio have seen an increase in requests to mount completed Hyakukannon nōkyō scrolls into hanging scrolls (kakejiku), commemorating the achievement.

A Commission to Mount a Hyakukannon Nōkyō Scroll

The episode introduced here is one such request from a couple living in Kobe.

They visited our studio carrying a large nōkyōjiku scroll filled with the stamps from all three pilgrimages—a testament to the long spiritual journey they had completed together.

Hyakukannon nōkyōjiku scrolls are among the largest formats of pilgrimage scrolls, with all 100 temple stamps arranged around a central image of Kannon. Their sheer size and visual density make the mounting process particularly demanding, requiring precise balance and careful fabric selection.

Selected Mounting Fabric

For this project, the clients selected our Buddhist mounting pattern No. 5, “Renge” (Lotus Buddha Pattern).

This elegant gold brocade features lotus motifs and harmonizes beautifully with Buddhist imagery.
It enhances both the purity of the central Kannon figure and the powerful presence of the one hundred vermilion stamps.

For a scroll of this scale and importance, it was an ideal choice.

The Completed Hyakukannon Scroll

Once mounted, the scroll radiated an impressive harmony:
the shimmering gold brocade, the vivid pilgrimage stamps, and the serene central Kannon image all came together to form a profoundly dignified work.

Large nōkyōjiku scrolls especially reveal the difference that professional mounting can make.

In this case, the “Renge” brocade supported the overall composition beautifully, resulting in a piece suitable for long-term display and preservation.

The clients were deeply moved upon seeing the finished scroll, expressing how grateful they were to have their pilgrimage preserved in such a magnificent form.

We, too, felt honored to help commemorate such a meaningful journey.

For Those Considering Mounting a Hyakukannon Nōkyōjiku Scroll

The Hyakukannon pilgrimage is one of the most historically rich and geographically extensive pilgrimages in Japan.

Mounting the nōkyōjiku scroll—the proof of the journey—greatly enhances its beauty and helps preserve it as a cherished record for future generations.

We welcome consultations regarding nōkyōjiku scroll mounting for the Hyakukannon, Saigoku, Bandō, Chichibu, and other pilgrimage routes.