Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage – Temple No.10
Banshosan Daiji-ji appears as the setting for Temple No.10 in the anime film *Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda.* (released in English as *The Anthem of the Heart*), and has become a popular “pilgrimage spot” for anime fans as well as traditional pilgrims.
At the entrance to the main hall you will find a statue of *Obinzuru-sama* (a “rubbing Buddha” or *nadebotoke*) that is said to cure illness.
Visitors gently rub the part of the statue corresponding to their own ailment and then touch the same part of their body, praying that the sickness will be taken on by the statue.
The temple’s Nio Gate is built in the traditional romon style, while the main hall has a hipped roof with copper plates shaped to resemble thatch.
Inside the temple are the principal image of Sho-Kannon (Sacred Kannon) and flanking statues such as Koyasu Kannon and Jizo Bosatsu.
Koyasu Kannon in particular is revered as a protector of safe childbirth and childrearing.
The temple’s paper-cut-style *goshuin* (temple stamp) features a pair of “married dragons,” symbolizing prayers for success in love and harmonious married life.
