Mount Fuji Lava Crafts the Walls of Kosanji’s Senbutsu Cave
Beneath the vibrant temple grounds of Kosanji lies a remarkable and profound journey: the 千佛洞地獄峡 ⭐, often referred to as the Cave of 1,000 Buddhas. This ambitious underground project, nine years in the making, began in 1955 and was finally completed in 1964.
The entrance to this subterranean world is subtly placed next to the elegant Shishinden Hall 至心殿, on the west side of the main temple building. From there, visitors descend about 15 meters underground into a winding tunnel, stretching an impressive 350 meters. The very walls of this unique cave are a testament to human ingenuity and artistic vision: they were meticulously formed using hardened lava from Japan's iconic Mount Fuji and burnt stones from Mount Asama, all reinforced with concrete to create naturalistic rock formations.
Beyond the serene Buddhas, vivid plaques line the cave walls, portraying scenes of Buddhist hell and paradise. These powerful images bring teachings of karma, consequence, and rebirth to life, inviting quiet reflection on the journey of the soul.
Underground World: The Cave of 1,000 Buddhas and Jigoku Gorge (YouTube link)
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As you navigate the cool, dim passages, you'll discover three vast caverns, each roughly 10 meters high and spanning several tens of square meters. These expansive spaces are not merely structural; they serve as a canvas for the cave's spiritual purpose. Inside, a thousand serene stone Buddha statues stand enshrined, their presence adding to the sacred atmosphere. There's even a subterranean waterfall, its gentle rush echoing through the depths.
The photographs taken on December 3, 2024, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the cave's religious allure.
Shishinden Hall 至心殿: Gateway to Kosanji’s Subterranean Senbutsu Cave 千佛洞
Eight Hells: Vivid Plaques Depict Buddhist Hell on Kosanji’s Cave Walls
Fiery Hell-Bound Car Carries Sinners in Kosanji’s Cave Depictions
Subterranean Waterfall: Its Gentle Rush Echoes in Kosanji’s Cave Depths
Kosanji’s Cave Exit Lies Beside the Great Savior Kannon Statue
Framing the Future: "The Tower of Hope" from a Marble Vantage
The Hill Of Hope ⭐(Miraishin-no-Oka / 未来心の丘) is perhaps the most striking and unusual attraction. Atop the Kousanji Temple's grounds, a breathtaking sight unfolds: the Hill of the Future Spirit (Miraishin-no-Oka). This sprawling 5,000-square-meter garden, crafted in pristine white marble, was brought to life by renowned sculptor Itto Kuetani.
Itto, whose studio is located in Carrara, Italy, personally sourced the luminous marble from that region. With great respect for the material and its natural surroundings, he meticulously shaped each monument and pathway. Every curve and angle reflects a dialogue between the artist, the stone, and the landscape, carefully considering the whisper of the wind, the play of light, and the sweeping scenery. The result is an immersive space that invites visitors not only to observe but also to engage with their surroundings, sparking imagination and fostering a playful harmony with nature.
White Marble Wonder: The Hill of Hope (YouTube link)
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Located at the Kousanji Temple's summit, this expansive artistic space is made entirely of white Italian marble. It features abstract sculptures, including the Tower of Light, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There's even a Cafe Cuore also made of marble. This area is distinctly different from the traditional temple grounds and offers a contrasting artistic experience.
The photographs taken on December 3, 2024, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the park's natural allure.
Where White Marble Meets Warm Hues: Kousanji Temple in Autumn
Tokensan Park in Obama Onsen is a peaceful retreat blending natural beauty with cultural reverence. Every spring, cherry blossoms transform the landscape, inviting hanami enthusiasts to gather. At its summit, the Ikime Hachiman Shrine 生目八幡神社, dedicated to the "god of eyes," offers a quiet, spiritual sanctuary.
Tokensan Park: Where Nature Paints in Pink, Blue, and Green #japan #travel #cherry #blossom (YouTube link)
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As spring arrived, the park transformed into a dreamscape. Cherry blossoms unfurled in a riot of delicate pink, their petals drifting softly onto the winding paths like a gentle snowfall. Hanami enthusiasts flocked to the park, their laughter and murmurs mingling with the breeze as they gathered beneath the flowering branches, toasting to the fleeting beauty of the season.
The photographs taken on April 5, 2025, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the park's natural allure.
Overlooking Rooftops and the Sparkling Expanse of Tachibana Bay
Ikime Hachiman Shrine: Where the "God of Eyes" Holds Quiet Sway
Virgin Mary Statue from France Marks "Discovery of Christians" at Oura Cathedral
Built in 1864 by French priests Louis Furet and Bernard Petitjean, Ōura Cathedral, officially known as the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, stands as a testament to faith and endurance in Nagasaki. This Catholic church was erected to honor the 26 martyrs executed in 1597 and quickly became a landmark. It was Japan’s first Western-style building to be designated a National Treasure in 1933, and it remains the oldest surviving Christian church in the country.
Originally a small wooden church, it was expanded into a grand Gothic-style brick basilica by 1879. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1865 when hidden Christians from Urakami revealed their faith to Father Petitjean, an event known as the “Discovery of Christians.” This remarkable revelation came after more than 250 years of secrecy due to Japan's ban on Christianity. The cathedral miraculously survived the atomic bomb attack in 1945, was subsequently restored, and its National Treasure status was reaffirmed in 1953. Its profound significance in the history of hidden Christians led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.
Ōura Cathedral: A Beacon of Faith and Resilience #japan #travel #nagasaki (YouTube link)
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The photographs taken on April 7, 2025, beautifully capture this essence, serving as a visual testament to the church's historical allure.
Diamond Princess Cruise Sighted En Route to Oura Cathedral
Mizukake Tradition—Pouring Prayers over Stone Guardians
Daisho-in 大聖院⭐⭐, the head temple of Miyajima 宮島, is a significant spiritual site nestled within one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Spots. Just a five-minute walk from the iconic World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine, you'll reach the Niomon Gate, marking the entrance to the temple grounds. As you ascend the long slope towards Onarimon Gate御成門, be sure to stroke the Daihannyakyo Sutra 大般若経切 tubes lining the steps; this simple act is believed to accumulate merit and usher in happiness.
Inside the temple, discover the Chokgando Hall, home to the principal image of Namikiri Fudo Myo-o. This wish-granting deity, a gift from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is said to foster strong connections in your personal and professional life, bringing good fortune and career advancement. Elsewhere on the serene grounds, you'll find the mesmerizing 500 Rakan Statues . Each statue, depicting a disciple of Buddha, boasts a unique expression and posture, giving them an almost lifelike quality. Together, they form a powerful display of spiritual presence and artistic detail.
Your Guide to the Sacred Grounds of Daisho-in (in Japanese)
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We visited on a sunny March 22, 2025, and enjoyed a serene stroll along the stairs and up the slopes. Every corner of the landscape offered amazing views, dotted with Buddha statues, making each moment truly enjoyable.
Rising majestically toward the heavens, Maniden Hall (摩尼殿) commands the skyline with its striking presence
The Eleven-Headed Kannon Stands Graceful with Maniden Hall Rising Behind
Prayer Wheels
Lining the stone steps to Maniden Hall, rows of gleaming metal Sutra Wheels—each etched with sacred Buddhist texts—invite passersby to give them a gentle spin. With every turn, it's said, the spiritual merit of reciting an entire sutra is quietly awakened.
Spinning Sutra Wheels: A Path to Maniden Hall
Henjo Cave
Step into the Henjokutsu Cave 遍照窟within Daishi-do Hall 大師堂 and embark on a unique spiritual journey. This "sand-stepping dojo" offers a condensed version of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku. Pilgrims believe that by walking on the sand, which is sourced and buried from each of the actual sacred sites, you receive the same profound blessings as those who complete the full Shikoku pilgrimage.
