Semi-Outdoor Prayer Spaces at the Sangendo of the Bando Kannon Pilgrimage and the Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage

In early modern temples, in addition to sect rituals, worship was also widely practiced. At the Bando and Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimages, spaces were created within the Sangendo that could accommodate a variety of rituals. The configuration of ritual spaces can be categorized into three types: 1) spaces dedicated solely to indoor rituals, 2) spaces combining indoor ritual areas with semi-outdoor worship spaces, and 3) a semi outdoor worship space around inner sanctuary. In particular, the latter two types are thought to have played an important role in connecting Buddhist rituals with the demands of popular culture.