Hello, fellow travel lovers!
This time, I’m introducing one of the three major Chichibu shrines: Chichibu Shrine.
From the approach to the main hall, this shrine is all about color and personality.
At one point I even thought, “Wait… is this a Demon Slayer spot?” (LOL)
Huge chrysanthemum blooms welcomed us.
The approach was lined with displays from the ongoing Chrysanthemum Exhibition.
Large, brightly colored chrysanthemum blooms were lined up in a stunning row.
Front: Ebisu and Daikokuten—and below them… Rengoku, perhaps?
The best part of visiting Chichibu Shrine is definitely… Checking out the carvings on the main hall.。
At the top of the front section sit the two gods of good fortune, Ebisu and Daikokuten.
With cheerful smiles, they look as if they’re welcoming you, saying, “Welcome to Chichibu!”
And just below them is a figure carved with fiery colors and a sharp, intense expression.
You can’t help thinking, “Wait… isn’t this Rengoku?” because it looks exactly like him.
It’s definitely a spot where any Demon Slayer fan would stop and take a closer look! (LOL)
After finishing your prayer, if you casually head to the right from the front, the highlights start appearing one after another.
① The chained and powerful “Tsunagi no Ryū” (Bound Dragon)
The first thing that appears—bam!—is the striking dragon carving.
At first I was like, “Huh? Is the dragon… wearing a necklace?”—totally misreading it (LOL).
Look closely and you’ll see it’s firmly chained down, giving it an absolutely powerful presence.
② The Northern Guardian, “Hokushin Owl”
次に現れるのは、体はご本殿に向きつつ、顔だけは真北を見るフクロウ。
You can’t help thinking, “Is that the angle you protect from!?”—but its cuteness totally wins you over.
③ The lively “Energetic Three Monkeys” on the west side
See well, listen well, and speak well.
A positive, lively version of the Three Monkeys enthusiastically welcomes you.
④ “Parent’s Guiding Words” displayed at the front
When you return to the front at the end, a simple yet profound phrase catches your eye.
A short phrase, yet it sinks straight into your heart—words every parent wants to hold onto.
With these four key points, you can enjoy Chichibu Shrine in no time!
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
