Ongaku-ji

Ongaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Chichibu with a central hall surrounded by trees and a large ceremonial bell. The site sits within Chichibu Muse Park, creating a quiet setting for visitors to explore.

The temple bell played a role in the Chichibu Incident of 1884, an uprising where farmers voiced their grievances. This event made the site a historical landmark in local protest movements.

The temple is part of the Chichibu 34 Kannon pilgrimage circuit, where visitors connect spiritual sites across the region. Musicians come here to seek blessings related to their artistic work.

The temple can be reached by a 45-minute walk from Chichibu Railway Station, offering a pleasant forest path to the site. Visitors may contact the temple office at 0494-25-3018 for details about the grounds or visiting conditions.

The name comes from 13 founding monks who heard the wind through pine trees as musical notes from a Bodhisattva. This poetic origin shows how the place was born from a spiritual connection to the natural sounds around it.