16 Rakan Rocks

[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!

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  • Last updated: 2022.03.15

One of the famous spots in Yamagata Prefecture is Juroku Rakan Rock. This 16 Rakan Rock is a stone cliff Buddha that has withstood rough waves for over 150 years. It is extremely rare even in Japan.

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

Roots of the 16 Arhats

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 are 22 carved Buddha statues, including the 16 Arhats, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Bodhisattva.

These Buddha statues were created over a period of five years starting in 1864 under the guidance of Kankai, the chief priest of Kaizenji Temple. It is said that Kankai died in the sea at the age of 71 after seeing the completion of the Magaibutsu.

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 a total of 22 bodies in 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. The structure, which has been exposed to rough waves and still retains its shape, makes you feel the great power of nature.

Some people say that if you stare intently at the Buddha here, you can feel your worries being blown away by a great power. If you are worried about your daily worries, this is a must-visit spot. There are many people who are keenly aware of how small their problems were.

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

Delight in the sunset ramen at Sunset 16 Arhats

Across the national highway from Juroku Rakan is Sunset Juroku Rakan. This would be a good meal. 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.

INFORMATION

nameSunset 16 Arhats
location7-30 Fukiura Nishitate, Yusa-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata Prefecture
telephone number0234-77-3330
GOOGLE MAP

Summary about 16 Rakan Rocks

The 22 Buddha statues all have gentle faces. The expression on its face gives you the impression that it has endured the rough seas for over 150 years, giving you a sense of its solemn power.

The statue of Buddha with the sea in the background is extremely rare, and many people come just to see it. It is also known as a sunset spot, and if you visit at sunset, you can enjoy a particularly spectacular view.

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

INFORMATION

name16 Rakan Rocks
locationNishitate, Fukiura, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata Prefecture
telephone number0234-77-3330 (Yusa Chokai Tourism Association)
Official URLhttps://www.yuzachokai.jp/view/jurokurakaniwa
GOOGLE MAP

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