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)
Photo Gallery
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
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
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