NATIONAL TREASURE - USUKI STONE BUDDHA / Usuki City

The Usuki Stone Buddhas in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, are one of Japan’s most notable magaibutsu, which are Buddhist statues carved into cliff faces. There are around 60 of these magaibutsu enshrined within the city. Most of them are believed to have been created during the late Heian and Kamakura periods, but the identity of the carvers and their intended purpose are uncertain, and many questions still remain unanswered.

The scale and quantity of the sculptures and the high quality of the carving techniques used in them are unparalleled in Japan, and in 1995, they were designated as the first national treasures of Buddha statues in Japan as well as the first sculptures in Kyushu. One of the highlights is the Dainichi Nyorai central Buddha statue in the ancient garden. The statue’s full cheeks and beautiful slanted eyes with a downcast gaze are filled with a mystical aura. When it was discovered, the Buddha’s head had fallen off from the body, but years of restoration work have returned it to its original state. It is still carefully protected by the local people.