Sixteen Arahant Rocks are the cliff Buddha with the sea in the background! Also famous as a sunset spot [Yusa Town, Yamagata Prefecture]

One of Yamagata Prefecture's famous spots is Rocks a rock-carved Buddha statue that has withstood the rough waves for over 150 years , making it extremely rare even in Japan.

This time, we will introduce you to this rare spot, the Juroku Rakan Rocks in Yuza Town

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The origins of the Sixteen Rakan Rocks

The coastline of the port town of Yuza is covered with andesite, which was formed by the eruption of Mount Chokai. Carved into this rock 22 rock-carved Buddha statues, including the Sixteen Arhats, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Bodhisattvas .

Magaibutsu is a type of stone Buddha, and is a general term for Buddhas and Myo-o carved into natural rock walls and exposed rocks

These Buddha statues were created over a period of five years starting in 1864 under the guidance of the 21st head priest of Kaizenji Temple in the local town of Yuza. After overseeing the completion of the rock-carved Buddha statues, the monk Kankai is said to have passed away in the sea near the Juroku Rakan Rocks to become their guardian Buddha

This happened in July 1871, when Priest Kankai was 71 years old

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Come face to face with 22 rock-carved Buddha statues

the Shakyamuni Buddha , located in the center . There are a total of 22 statues to the north and south of this center.

However, they have now been eroded considerably by the rough waves of the Sea of ​​Japan over the years, and because they were originally integrated into the rocks, it is extremely difficult to identify all 22 of them

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

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It is also famous as a power spot where worries can be blown away

The Juroku Rakan Rocks are also known as a power spot. The rocks have been exposed to rough waves for a long time, yet they still retain their shape, giving you a sense of the great power of nature

Some people say, "When I gaze intently at the Buddha here, I feel as if my worries are being blown away by a great power." This is a must-visit spot for those who are tormented by everyday worries. Many people come away keenly aware of how small their worries were

Generally, the walking trails are well maintained and safe, but if you want to see the Northern Arhat, you will need to walk on the rock face, so we recommend wearing sneakers rather than heels

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Enjoy the sunset ramen at "Sunset Juroku Rakan"

Across the national highway from the Juroku Rakan is the "Sunset Juroku Rakan."

The specialty is the Sunset Ramen with seaweed . It has a gentle flavor and is delicious. The counter seats by the window offer a beautiful view of the sunset, as the restaurant's name suggests, so if there are any seats available, it's a good idea to sit there.

Even if it's not sunset time, you can still enjoy the spectacular view of the beautiful ocean

Sunset Sixteen Arhats <Information>

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

Google Maps

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Summary of the Sixteen Rakan Rocks

All 22 rock-carved Buddha statues have calm expressions, giving off a sense of solemn power that makes it hard to believe they have endured the rough waves of over 150 years

It is extremely rare to see a Buddha statue with the sea in the background, and many people visit specifically to see it. It is also known as a sunset spot, so if you visit at sunset you can enjoy an exceptionally spectacular view

The video is featured on the Yamagata YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out

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16 Rakan Rocks＜Information＞

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

Google Maps

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