Over New Year in Ikaho Onsen (2)
The New Year season is a wonderful time to visit temples and shrines around Ikaho, warm up in the onsen, and welcome the year in a peaceful atmosphere.
This is the second part of our two-part introduction to temples and shrines around Ikaho. The first is Over New Year in Ikaho Onsen (1). In this second part, we introduce Bukko-san Hosui-ji and Shibukawa Hachimangu.
4. Bukko-san Hosui-ji
Set on expansive grounds roughly the size of four Tokyo Domes, the temple offers impressive views toward Mount Akagi. Visitors can also experience zazen meditation and sutra copying. It has become a popular spiritual spot in the Ikaho area.
- Address: 637-43 Ikaho, Ikaho-machi
- Phone: +81 279-72-2401
5. Shibukawa Hachimangu
According to shrine tradition, Shibukawa Hachimangu was founded by Shibukawa Yoshiaki during the Kencho era, with its deity enshrined from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. The shrine venerates Emperor Ojin, Himegami, and Empress Jingu and is traditionally associated with blessings for children. A symbolic carving can be seen beneath the karahafu gable of the worship hall.
- Address: 1 Ko, Shibukawa, Shibukawa City
- Phone: +81 279-24-0122
If you are staying in Ikaho over the New Year period, these temples and shrines make rewarding places to visit.