2.Dainichi Stone Buddhas
Faceless Buddha figures carved on a rockface
reveal infinite facial expressions
On the northern bank of the Usuki River, not far from scenic Hakuba Gorge. Standing in a gully here are the Dainichi Stone Buddhas. They were carved around the same time as the Usuki Stone Buddhas (National Treasure), but the Buddha triad in the center has been badly damaged. The faces do not reveal their expressions, but they are thought to be a Buddha (Nyorai) in the center, with a bodhisattva (enlightened being) on either side. It is said that a Buddhist temple called Enpukuji Temple occupied this whole area in the Middle Ages, and it is surmised that the Dainichi Stone Buddhas were carved as the temple’s principal Buddhist images. An archeological survey unearthed pottery from the late 12th century, and these Buddha figures carved on a rockface are thought to be strongly related to the development of the Usuki-no-sho district, just as the Usuki Stone Buddhas are.
The central seated image of a Buddha (Nyorai) in the triad. This image makes visitors ponder what sort of facial expression the Buddha wore in the distant past.
Behind is a bamboo grove and in front is a kabosu citrus orchard. The roof protecting the Stone Buddhas from wind and rain, enveloped in greenery.
- Address
- Maeda, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture
- TEL
- None
- Parking
- Use the Hakubakei entrance parking lot
- Stamp location
- Inside the roofed space (next to the offertory box)
- Restrooms
- Use the toilet of Hakubakei