Juroku Rakan Rocks

A group of cliff-carved Buddha statues etched into the coastline of Yuza Town, a port town at the northernmost tip of Yamagata Prefecture. Conceived by Priest Kankai, the 21st head priest of Kaizenji, a Soto Zen temple founded in 1612, as a memorial to fishermen who lost their lives in the rough waves of the Sea of Japan and as a prayer for maritime safety, the statues were completed in 1868 after five years of work.

Carved into andesite that flowed into the Sea of Japan during eruptions of Mount Chokai, the cliff-carved figures include 16 rakan, Shakyamuni, the two bodhisattvas Monju and Fugen, and three more figures: Kannon, Shaributsu, and Mokuren, for a total of 22 statues. Having withstood rough waves for 150 years, these cliff carvings are extremely rare, and this is said to be the only site of this scale on the Sea of Japan coast.

The site is also known as a famous sunset spot, with a stunning contrast between the grand evening scenery and the cliff-carved Buddha statues. Simply gazing at the majestic statues lit by the setting sun feels almost cleansing. Walking paths are maintained around the area, but if you want to view the statues up close, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.