Usuki Stone Buddhas, Buddhist sculptures in Usuki, Japan.
The Usuki Stone Buddhas consist of 61 Buddhist statues carved into ignimbrite rock walls that run along a hillside. The individual figures reach heights of up to approximately 4 meters and display detailed carved representations of different Buddhist deities.
The stone carvings originated during the late Heian through Kamakura periods, spanning the 12th and 13th centuries. They represent some of the earliest Buddhist rock-carved sculptures in Japan and reflect how this artistic practice developed over time.
The stone figures depict Dainichi Buddha and other Buddhist deities placed in four distinct groups across the hillside. Visitors can observe how these groupings reflect long-standing religious beliefs through their spatial arrangement.
The site sits on a hillside and is best explored on foot, allowing time to visit all four carved groupings. Wearing sturdy footwear is advisable since pathways traverse uneven ground.
These carvings became the first rock-carved Buddhist sculptures in Japan to receive National Treasure status in 1995. This recognition reflects their exceptional craftsmanship and remarkable survival across the centuries.
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