This keychain depicts the 34 pilgrimage sites of the Chichibu pilgrimage. The golden characters name “Chichibu”, and the red circles with gold numbers refer to each of the 34 temple sites, beginning with what is traditionally considered temple 1, Shimabu-ji (四万部寺), and ending with temple 34, Suisen-ji (水潜寺). The blue lines refer to the rivers of the Saitama prefecture, rivers that are crossed as individuals undertake the Chichibu pilgrimage in its entirety. The general mountainous surroundings of the Chichibu basin are also represented in this keychain; the raised regions help depict the natural topography.

The second side of this keychain focuses on the 34 temples of the Chichibu route. The center of the circle reads “Thirty Four Temples of Chichibu Pilgrimage”, and the temple names and number radiate outward. Starting from the highest point on the keychain, each site is listed in an order based upon the traditional route. This list of temples is found below. Furthermore, the keychain also holds a small bell which will ring as the pilgrim walks his journey. This small personal bell is representative of the larger temple bells; at the end of each year, temples undertake joya-no-kane, or ringing of the bells 108 times to awaken pilgrims from the 108 delusions. Pilgrims often carry bells (suzu) with their rosary (nenju) beads, and they ring these bells to arouse themselves from states of sin and delusion while praying (Schumacher).

Exhibit: Credit Label