[Yuza Town, Yamagata Prefecture] “16 Rakan Rocks” is a stone cliff Buddha with the sea in the background! It is also famous as a sunset spot!

One of the famous spots in Yamagata Prefecture is Juroku Rakan Rock This 16 Rakan Rock is a Magaibutsu Buddha that has withstood rough waves for more than 150 years , making it extremely rare even in Japan.

This time, we will introduce such a rare spot, Juroku Rakan Rock in Yuza Town.

Roots of 16 Rakan Rocks

The coastline of Yuza, a port town, is covered with andesite that was washed away by the eruption of Mt. Chokai. Carved into this rock 22 carved Buddha statues, including the 16 Arhats, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Bodhisattva .

Magaibutsu is a type of stone Buddha, and is a general term for Buddhas, Myoos, etc. carved into natural rock walls or exposed rocks.

These Buddha statues were created over a period of five years starting in 1864 under the guidance of Kankai Osho, the 21st chief priest of Kaizenji Temple in the local town of Yuza. It is said that after seeing the completion of the Magaibutsu, the monk Kankai sank into the sea near the 16 Arhat Rocks in order to become the guardian Buddha.

It is said to have happened in July 1871, when Kankai Osho was 71 years old.

Face to face with 22 statues of Buddha statues

Among the many cliff Buddhas, the one located in the center is the largest one, Shakyamuni Buddha . With this as the center, there are 22 bodies in total to the north and south.

However, it has now been significantly eroded by the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan over the years. Originally, it is extremely difficult to identify all 22 bodies, partly because they are integrated with the rock.

There is no need to worry about safety as it has been developed as a tourist spot. There is a promenade, so if you walk along it you can get up close to the Buddha.

It is also famous as a power spot where your worries will be blown away.

Juroku Rakan Rock is also known as a power spot. Even after being exposed to rough waves, its appearance that still retains its shape gives you a sense of the great power of nature.

Some people say, ``If you stare intently at the Buddha here, you can feel your worries being blown away by a great power.'' This is a must-visit spot for those who are worried about their daily worries. There are many people who are acutely aware of how small the problem was.

Basically, there is a well-maintained promenade and it is safe, but when you go to see the Arhats in the north, you will need to walk on the rocky surface. We recommend wearing sneakers instead of heels.

Delight in the sunset ramen at Sunset 16 Arhats

``Sunset 16 Rakan'' is located across the national highway from 16 Rakan The parking lot here is spacious and can be used to tour the 16 Rakan Rocks.

The specialty is the sunset ramen with sea lettuce . It has a gentle taste and is delicious. As the name suggests, the counter seats by the window offer a beautiful view of the sunset, so if there are seats available, it's a good idea to sit here.

Even if it's not the timing of the sunset, there is a spectacular view of the very beautiful ocean.

Sunset 16 Arhats＜Information＞

• Name: Sunset 16 Arhats
• Address: 7-30 Fukiura Nishitate, Yusa-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata 999-8521
• Phone number: 0234-77-3330
• Official URL: Yamagata Shonai Tourism Site – Sunset 16 Arhats

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Summary about 16 Rakan Rocks

All of the 22 Buddha statues have gentle faces. You can't help but feel that it has endured the rough seas for over 150 years, and you can feel its solemn power.

A Buddha with the sea in the background is extremely rare, and many people visit here just to see it. It is also known as a sunset spot, and if you visit at sunset you can enjoy an exceptional view.

The video is introduced on YouTube's Yamagata channel, so be sure to check it out.

16 Rakan Rocks＜Information＞

• Name: 16 Rakan Rocks
• Address: Fukiura Nishitate, Yusa-cho, Akumi-gun, Yamagata 999-8521
• Phone number: 0234-72-5666 "Yusa Chokai Tourism Association"
• Official URL: Yusa Chokai Tourism Association – 16 Rakan Rocks

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