龍原寺, Buddhist temple in Usuki, Japan
Ryugenji Temple sits near stone Buddha statues carved directly into cliff faces, arranged in four separate groups across the site. The figures were carved from volcanic rock using hand tools, creating works that blend with the natural landscape.
Skilled artisans created these statues during the Heian Period by carving them into the volcanic rock of the region. Over 60 religious works were completed during this productive era of stone sculpture.
The stone figures represent different Buddhist deities, each with distinct facial expressions and hand gestures that reveal the artist's individual interpretation. Walking past them, you notice how each statue conveys a different spiritual presence through these carved details.
Take a bus from Usuki Station to the Usuki Sekibutsu stop, which takes about 20 minutes and drops you near the temple grounds. Walking shoes are helpful since the site involves some uneven terrain around the stone carvings.
The stone carvings here hold the status of national treasures, a rare distinction that led to the construction of protective shelters. This special recognition reflects how important these works are to Japan's cultural heritage.
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