江戸時代の札所巡りは、こんな感じでした。

It is believed that the pilgrimage to the Chichibu temples in the Edo period had a unique atmosphere and bustle that is different from today.

The situation at that time

Faith and entertainment of the common people: The Chichibu temples were familiar objects of faith for the common people, and at the same time, they were popular travel destinations. Since it was within a day’s trip distance from Edo and there were many relatively flat roads, many common people made pilgrimages there without hesitation.
Bustling post towns: Post towns flourished around the temples, and there were many inns and restaurants for pilgrims. These post towns were bustling places where not only pilgrims but also merchants and travelers gathered.
Pilgrimage routes: The pilgrimage routes were developed by the people’s traffic, and teahouses and rest areas were set up along the way. Pilgrims could leisurely visit the temples while interacting with each other and enjoying the scenery.
The fusion of faith and life: Pilgrimages were not just a religious act, but were deeply rooted in people’s lives. It is believed that communities were formed by sharing with family and friends the benefits they received during the pilgrimage and the events that occurred along the way.
Differences from today

Transportation: At that time, walking and horseback riding were the main means of transportation. Therefore, people could not travel as easily as they do today, and pilgrimages required a certain amount of time and physical strength.
Accommodation: Accommodations were simple and could not be as comfortable as modern hotels, but they played an important role as a place for pilgrims to deepen their relationships with each other.
Transmission of information: Since transportation and communication methods were limited, it would have been difficult to obtain the latest information. Nevertheless, it is believed that pilgrims continued their journey by exchanging information with each other.
What remains today

Pilgrimage route: In some sections, you can still walk the pilgrimage route that retains the atmosphere of the time.
Atmosphere of the post town: In Chichibu city, the streetscape retains the atmosphere of a former post town.
Faith: The Chichibu temple still attracts many worshippers, which speaks to the deep faith of the people.
Summary

The Chichibu Pilgrimage in the Edo Period was a culture rooted in people’s lives that satisfied their faith and their desire to travel. Unlike today, the slow pace allowed people to refresh their mind and body while interacting with nature.

The clothing worn during the Chichibu Pilgrimage in the Edo Period was very different from that worn today, and had a special meaning as an object of faith.

General Pilgrim Clothing

White Robe: White robes were the most common clothing to represent purity. Most were simple, straight-lined, made of cotton or linen, and there may have been some differences depending on status and region.
Hood: Hoods were used to cover the hair and protect it from dust, as well as to show that one had undergone training.
Sandals: Sandals were widely used as footwear that was easy to walk in and suited the Japanese climate.
Prayer beads: Prayer beads were used when chanting prayers and were worn as a symbol of faith.
Characteristic Clothing

Sign of Completion: Special clothing was sometimes worn to show that one had completed the pilgrimage to all the temples. For example, it was common for pilgrims to have patterns on their white robes or to wear special hoods.
Regional characteristics: At pilgrimage sites in various regions, you can sometimes see clothing unique to that region. For example, on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, it was common for pilgrims to wear a hat called a henrokasa.
Meanings behind clothing

Purity: The white robes were a symbol of purifying the mind and body and getting closer to Buddha.
Proof of training: The hoods and the mark of completion of the pilgrimage represented the rigors of the pilgrimage and the depth of their faith.
Sense of community: It is believed that wearing similar clothing created a sense of solidarity among pilgrims and fostered a sense of community.
Differences from modern times

In modern times, clothing is a matter of personal freedom, and there is no particular rule. However, in the Edo period, clothing was an important element that expressed social status and faith.

Summary

The clothing worn on the Chichibu Pilgrimage in the Edo period was different from that of modern times, and was a sign of faith and fostered a sense of community among pilgrims. The people’s deep faith was expressed in their simple clothing, such as white robes and hoods.

If you want to know more, you can also look into the following points.

Dress regulations at each temple and shrine: Each temple and shrine may have its own rules about what to wear when visiting.
Paintings and ukiyo-e from the time: Pilgrims are often depicted in paintings and ukiyo-e from the time.
Regional cust