Pilgrimage & Travel: Miura Thirty-Three Kannon Sacred Sites Hold First Horse-Year Grand Opening in 12 Years

Press Release, Auspicious Day in April, Reiwa 8 (2026) Issued by: Miura Thirty-Three Kannon Temple Association **Miura Thirty-Three Kannon Grand Opening** **Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Monday, May 18, 2026** This special opening, held only once every twelve years during the Year of the Horse, allows visitors to see the doors of Kannon statues, usually kept as secret Buddhas, and to offer prayers directly. Why not experience the Kannon statues of the Miura Peninsula in spring while praying for wishes such as world peace and family safety? **** **History and Origin of the Grand Opening — A Tradition of Prayer Spanning Over 800 Years** The Miura Peninsula, with its warm climate and scenic beauty, is home to sacred sites with a rich Kannon faith originating in the early Kamakura period. Approximately 830 years ago, in Kenkyu 3 (1192), when the entire Miura Peninsula was struck by a great famine, Suzuki Saburo Shigeie, a vassal of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, made a pilgrimage to thirty-three Kannon sacred sites, praying for the salvation of the people. Miraculously, the sea became bountiful with fish and the land yielded abundant harvests, saving the people from the famine, as is told. Based on this historical event, the sacred sites designated as the 'Miura Thirty-Three Kannon' have maintained the tradition of opening the doors of secret Buddhas for the 'Grand Opening' in the Year of the Horse every twelve years, and the 'Mid-Opening' in the Year of the Ox, up to the present day. An 'opening' is a special opportunity that allows one to worship Kannon statues, normally inaccessible, during a specified period. This Grand Opening (Reiwa 8, 2026) is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, as all 35 Kannon sites on the Miura Peninsula will be simultaneously opened. **** **🏛 Display of Buddhist Sculptures of National Treasure/Important Cultural Property Class** At Joraku-ji Temple (26th site), five statues made by Unkei (Important Cultural Property) are exhibited. At Mangan-ji Temple (18th site), the Kannon Bodhisattva (Important Cultural Property, height 224.7 cm) is displayed. At Seiun-ji Temple (19th site), the Takimi Kannon statue (Important Cultural Property) is also shown. **📖 Complete Goshoin Collection (All 35 Sites)** Goshoin seals can be obtained from all 34 locations, including the 33 numbered sites plus one extra site (Kōshō-ji Temple). This is a noteworthy spiritual site for those who enjoy collecting Goshoin seals and visiting shrines and temples. **✝ Maria Kannon (15th Site - Shinpuku-ji Temple)** A very rare 'Maria Kannon' depicts the Virgin Mary holding a child. Paintings by Katsushika Hokusai remain on the coffered ceiling of the Kannon Hall, offering a sense of the depth of history and culture. **🌊 Pilgrimage Walk** The 'Pilgrimage Walk,' where one visits the sacred sites on foot, is also popular. You can visit all 35 sites at your own pace while experiencing the nature of the Miura Peninsula in spring. **** **** * Please strictly observe the visiting hours (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM). * Please maintain a quiet atmosphere within the temple grounds (refrain from loud conversations). * Smoking is generally prohibited within the temple grounds. * Please take your trash with you. * Please refrain from entering restricted areas. * Many of the sacred sites have small parking areas or are accessible only by microbus. Please check in advance. **** **Miura Thirty-Three Kannon Temple Association** **Contact: Kento Tsuchikawa (Vice Chief Priest, Joraku-ji Temple)** **Phone: 046-856-8622** **Email: info@jorakuji.jp** — End of Release — **【Article for Web Publication】** **Must-See for Goshoin and Shrine/Temple Hopping Enthusiasts.** **Miura Thirty-Three Kannon Grand Opening 2026** April 18 (Saturday) – May 18 (Monday), Reiwa 8 (2026) | All 35 Sites on the Miura Peninsula Would you like to tour the entire Miura Peninsula with your Goshoin notebook in hand? In the spring of Reiwa 8 (2026), a special opportunity, occurring only once every twelve years, will arrive. The 'Grand Opening,' where the doors of secret Buddhas are simultaneously opened. It's a 31-day period, truly 'now or never,' where you can directly pray before Kannon statues normally unseen. Moreover, with Goshoin seals available at all 35 locations, it's an unmissable event for Goshoin fans and shrine/temple enthusiasts. **What are the Miura Thirty-Three Kannon?** The history of Kannon faith rooted in the Miura Peninsula dates back to the early Kamakura period – over 830 years ago. In Kenkyu 3 (1192), to save the people of the Miura Peninsula suffering from a great famine, Suzuki Saburo Shigeie, a retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, made a pilgrimage to thirty-three Kannon sites. As if their prayers were answered, the sea became abundant with fish and the land yielded rich harvests, saving the people from the famine, as is told. Originating from this story, the 'Miura Thirty-Three Kannon' were established, and the tradition of a special opening ceremony once every twelve years has been preserved to this day. **What Kind of Event is the 'Grand Opening'?** An 'opening' is a special occasion where Kannon statues, usually kept hidden and not publicly displayed, are opened for worship for a limited time. The Miura Thirty-Three Kannon have a 'Grand Opening' held only in the Year of the Horse every twelve years, and a 'Mid-Opening' held in the Year of the Ox. This year's Grand Opening is in Reiwa 8 (2026). It's a moving 31-day period eagerly awaited by many visitors after the pandemic. The Grand Opening, where all 35 Kannon statues are opened simultaneously, is also an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy collecting Goshoin seals and visiting shrines and temples. **① Encounter with Buddhist Sculptures of Unkei's Work, Designated as Important Cultural Properties** At Joraku-ji Temple (26th site, Yokosuka City Ashina), five Buddhist statues sculpted by Unkei in 1189 are enshrined as National Important Cultural Properties. Considered masterpieces from the dawn of Unkei's style change upon encountering samurai culture, this sacred site transmits the prayers of the warrior class to this day. The Kannon Bodhisattva at Mangan-ji Temple (18th site, Yokosuka City Iwato) is also an Important Cultural Property, possessing an overwhelming presence with its height of 224.7 cm. **② The Rare 'Maria Kannon' (15th Site - Shinpuku-ji Temple)** Shinpuku-ji Temple in Yoshino, Yokosuka City, enshrines the 'Maria Kannon,' depicted as the Virgin Mary holding a child. Created during the Sengoku period, it is a very rare sacred image worshipped as a Kannon for child-rearing. Paintings by Katsushika Hokusai also remain on the coffered ceiling of the Kannon Hall, making it well worth a visit. **③ Aiming for a Complete Goshoin Collection (All 35 Sites)** Although named 'Thirty-Three Kannon,' Goshoin seals can be obtained from a total of 34 locations, including one extra site (Kōshō-ji Temple). Completing the collection will yield 34 Goshoin seals, truly making your Goshoin notebook a 'testament to the Miura pilgrimage.' Note that Kannonzaki is not a designated temple site but a location for a commemorative stamp within a prefectural park. **④ 'Pilgrimage Walk' through the Spring Miura Peninsula** The 'Pilgrimage Walk' style, visiting sacred sites on foot, is also popular. You can enjoy the diverse landscapes of the Miura Peninsula—along the coast of Misaki, the green hills of Hayama, and the elevations of Yokosuka—while visiting sites at your own pace. It's a spring pilgrimage perfect for refreshing the body. **⑤ Kannonzaki (Commemorative Stamp)** It is said that in 741, the monk Gyoki enshrined an eleven-faced Kannon in a sea-eroded cave, giving 'Kannonzaki' its name. A commemorative stamp will be permanently installed at the Kannonzaki Park Center from April 1st. **Pilgrimage Etiquette (Seven Articles)** Article 1: Entering the grounds: Clap hands and bow at the entrance, such as the temple gate or stone steps, before entering. Article 2: Purifying oneself: Wash hands at a chozuya (water basin), if available, to purify oneself. Article 3: Connecting with Kannon: Touch the 'rope of good deeds' (temple bell rope) to connect spiritually. Article 4: Offering alms: Place coins in the offering box, then quietly clap hands and bow in prayer. Article 5: Sutra recitation/Offering: Recite a sutra (e.g., Heart Sutra, Ten-Phrase Kannon Sutra). Article 6: Receiving the Goshoin: Politely request it after worshiping (for groups, handing it over in advance will be smoother). Article 7: Descending the mountain: Turn back at the temple gate or stone steps and bow with gratitude. **Precautions** * Please strictly observe the visiting hours (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM). * Maintain silence within the temple grounds. Please refrain from loud conversations. * Smoking is generally prohibited within the temple grounds. * Please cooperate with taking your trash home. * Some temple sites have small parking areas or are accessible only by microbus. Please confirm in advance. **May this once-in-twelve-years encounter be with a tranquil heart.** Miura Thirty-Three Kannon Grand Opening, April 18 - May 18, Reiwa 8