SaitamaLeisure

Gandenzan Shobo-ji Temple (巌殿山正法寺, also known as Iwadono Kannon)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Walk along the street by the station, counting the bronze statues

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 40 min here

About 20 min to the next stop

Next stop: Meet koalas and penguins, then have lunch in the park

About this spot

An ancient temple partway up the hill in Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama City, known as a station on the Bando Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. The street running straight from the gate, and the hall standing beyond it at the top of the stone steps, are the very picture of this land. The great ginkgo towering in the grounds has a majestic form built up over many years, and simply looking up at it overwhelms children too. Although it is right near the zoo, it is quiet, and stopping by in the morning makes it an especially pleasant place. A simple visit takes little time, so it fits easily into a morning plan.

Tips

Because of the stone steps, you will need to leave a stroller at the bottom; a baby carrier makes moving easier. There is parking in front of the gate, but the number of spaces is limited. The grounds are a quiet place, so telling children beforehand not to run around gives peace of mind.