Heichi-jizo, Buddhist stone statue in Kyōtango, Japan
The Heichi-jizo is a Buddhist stone statue in Kyotango depicting Ksitigarbha and dedicated to protecting travelers and children. The figure stands in a park with marked pathways and information boards that explain its religious significance.
This Jizo figure belongs to a tradition that began in ancient Japan, with protective statues placed along travel routes and near temples. Veneration of these figures developed into an important part of local religious practices over many centuries.
Families visit this statue to offer prayers for protection of children and travelers, continuing Buddhist customs that have been practiced at this location for generations. The site has become a place where people express their devotion and seek blessings for safe journeys.
The statue sits within a park where paths make it easy to reach and view it. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and remember that this is a place of worship, not merely a tourist attraction.
The statue sits in a mountainous region of northern Japan and once served as a stop for pilgrims and merchants traveling famous trade routes. Its remote location keeps it less affected by modern tourism.
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