和田大佛及橫穴墓群, Stone Buddha carvings and tomb caves in Minamisoma, Japan
This site in Fukushima comprises Buddhist figures carved directly into natural rock faces alongside ancient horizontal burial caves. The stone carvings and tomb chambers sit in close proximity, creating a combined archaeological and religious complex.
Buddhist monks established these stone carvings and cave tombs during the Heian period as religious monuments. The craftsmanship and spiritual use of the site were maintained across many generations.
The site blends Buddhist stone sculpture with burial customs, showing how spiritual beliefs and death rituals were woven into daily life for people in this region. Visitors can see how the carved figures and tomb entrances were intentionally positioned together.
Pathways connect both the carved Buddha figures and the tomb areas, allowing visitors to explore the site on foot. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain around the site is uneven and can be slippery.
The horizontal grave chambers were carved directly into the rock face and served as burial sites for families and community members from that era. This type of cave tomb design is relatively uncommon and shows different construction phases visible on the rock surface.
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