When you first approach the rock face you will see these 2 large, distinctive figures that will instantly command your attention.
This particular image is of Jikokuten, one of the Shitennō, or 4 celestial kings. He is known as as the guardian of the east and, as featured here, is usually depicted with a sword in his right hand.
![This image is of Tamonten, another of the Shitennō. He is known as the guardian of the north and, as usual, is depicted holding up a small pagoda in his left hand. Tamonten is also said to be the most powerful of the 4 celestial kings.]()
This image is of Tamonten, another of the Shitennō. He is known as the guardian of the north and, as usual, is depicted holding up a small pagoda in his left hand. Tamonten is also said to be the most powerful of the 4 celestial kings.
![This is an interesting image. I have yet to identify who it is, but note the serpent clutched in their right hand. There are some great resources online to research these topics and I encourage you to do so to get a deeper understanding of the meanings behind many of the images present at this site.]()
This is an interesting image. I have yet to identify who it is, but note the serpent clutched in their right hand. There are some great resources online to research these topics and I encourage you to do so to get a deeper understanding of the meanings behind many of the images present at this site.
![A Buddhist character appearing in a contemplative, meditative state.]()
A Buddhist character appearing in a contemplative, meditative state.
![A very faded image of Fudō Myō-ō, the immoveable wisdom king. He is quite prevalent at this site in both relief carvings as well as individual statues. This particular one almost bleeds into Tamonten (pictured earlier).]()
A very faded image of Fudō Myō-ō, the immoveable wisdom king. He is quite prevalent at this site in both relief carvings as well as individual statues. This particular one almost bleeds into Tamonten (pictured earlier).
![This is a shot from the parking lot. if you're arriving by car, it's a very short trek to the site from here. As you can see, it's a beautiful and serene environment. In fact, there wasn't anyone else there during my trip. I'm looking forward to returning again in the coming months as the trees begin to change.]()
This is a shot from the parking lot. if you're arriving by car, it's a very short trek to the site from here. As you can see, it's a beautiful and serene environment. In fact, there wasn't anyone else there during my trip. I'm looking forward to returning again in the coming months as the trees begin to change.
![This piece is unique in that it's separate from the main rock face. Perhaps at one time it was a part of it. If so, thankfully it sits here firmly and, as you can see, offerings are still being made out of respect.]()
This piece is unique in that it's separate from the main rock face. Perhaps at one time it was a part of it. If so, thankfully it sits here firmly and, as you can see, offerings are still being made out of respect.
![Ancient carvings that go back centuries in time.]()
Ancient carvings that go back centuries in time.
![Inside this small cave, you will find many various Buddhist statues in contrast to the stone relief out front.]()
Inside this small cave, you will find many various Buddhist statues in contrast to the stone relief out front.
![This is an individual statue of Fudō Myō-ō. This is the classic appearance in Japan. Here he is with his menacing face, ignorance-slaying sword and standing steadfast amid a wave of flames (which have Buddhist meanings regarding purification).]()
This is an individual statue of Fudō Myō-ō. This is the classic appearance in Japan. Here he is with his menacing face, ignorance-slaying sword and standing steadfast amid a wave of flames (which have Buddhist meanings regarding purification).
![A pantheon of Buddhist figures including Fudō Myō-ō once again. This time he is seen seated, but still holding his sword in front of the flames.]()
A pantheon of Buddhist figures including Fudō Myō-ō once again. This time he is seen seated, but still holding his sword in front of the flames.
![Even as you crawl through the various rock formations, you will find more carvings. Look closely, you will see ancient inscriptions as well. ]()
Even as you crawl through the various rock formations, you will find more carvings. Look closely, you will see ancient inscriptions as well.
![One of many interesting sculptures that adorn this sacred cave.]()
One of many interesting sculptures that adorn this sacred cave.
![If you're feeling adventurous, there are narrow passageways in between large stones. Just remember to take care as this is a completely open and unsupervised location.]()
If you're feeling adventurous, there are narrow passageways in between large stones. Just remember to take care as this is a completely open and unsupervised location.
![This is a sign warning visitors of poisonous snakes. Although I didn't see any during my visit, you may want to keep that in mind before coming out here. Always be mindful of your environment.]()
This is a sign warning visitors of poisonous snakes. Although I didn't see any during my visit, you may want to keep that in mind before coming out here. Always be mindful of your environment.
