The is a wooden staff carried by yamabushi and pilgrims on the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan. The kongà Â-zue is said to represent the body of Kà «kai and to support the pilgrim along the way; as such it is treated with respect, having its "feet" washed and being brought inside at the end of each day's journey. It is inscribed with the chant Namu-Daishi-Henjà Â-Kongà  and Dà Âgyà Â-Ninin or "We two pilgrims together". By another tradition, it is carried aloft when crossing a bridge so that it does not touch the ground and wake Kà Âbà  Daishi. Pilgrims leave their kongà Â-zue at à Âkubo-ji, the final temple, upon completion of the circuit. There is an occasional funerary practice in Shikoku and other parts of Japan whereby the decedent is dressed as a pilgrim and placed in the casket along with a staff and pilgrim's stamp book (nà Âkyà Âchà Â) for their final journey.
Oizuru (garment) is one of the sacred garments of the traditional dress of Japanese pilgrims.