Historic-ruins– tax –

Usuki Sekibutsu (Usuki Stone Buddhas), located in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, is a national treasure and the generic name for about 60 polished cliff Buddhas believed to have been created between the Heian and Kamakura periods. These stone Buddhas were carved on tuff cliffs and were considered an important heritage of Buddhist art because of their elaborate carving techniques and expressive power. The Usuki Stone Buddhas are divided into four groups of stone Buddhas, each reflecting a different period and style. Especially famous are the statues of Dainichi Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and Kongorikishi, which attract visitors with their graceful expressions and intricate carvings down to the smallest detail. These stone Buddhas have maintained their beauty and dignity over the years. The surrounding area has a walking trail and observatory where visitors can enjoy the stone Buddhas along with the scenery of the four seasons.

Joubutsu Iwakage Ruins are ancient ruins located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, where relics from the Jomon period left behind in the shade of rocks have been discovered. The ruins provide valuable clues to the life of the people of the time, especially the large number of earthenware and stone tools that have been excavated. The surrounding natural environment is also rich, and from the walking paths around the ruins, visitors can feel the ancient landscape as well as the historical background. The site has high archaeological value and is an important spot for learning about the history of the region.