The cliff face carvings were traditionally associated with the legend of an ogre who built the stone steps in a single night in exchange for human sacrifices.
The Fudo Myoo figure is considered one of the largest stone-carved Buddhist images of its kind in Japan.
The site was historically part of the Kumano Kannon-ji temple complex, which no longer stands in its original form.
The stone stairs consist of over 300 uneven, natural boulders, making the climb physically demanding.
Volcanic rock (tuff) was chosen for these carvings due to its relative softness, allowing for intricate detail during the Heian period.
Kumano Magaibutsu features two massive Buddhist relief sculptures carved directly into a volcanic tuff cliff face in the Kunisaki Peninsula. The site dates back to the late Heian period, roughly the 12th century. The upper figure is a Fudo Myoo measuring approximately 8 meters in height, while the Dainichi Nyorai below stands roughly 6.8 meters tall. These carvings are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Accessing the carvings requires ascending a steep, uneven stone staircase said to have been laid by an ogre according to local folklore. The surrounding area remains part of the traditional Rokugo Manzan temple culture, reflecting a fusion of Shinto and Buddhist practices.
The landing midway up the stone staircase provides the best angle to capture the scale of both the Fudo Myoo and Dainichi Nyorai reliefs.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the stone steps are steep, uneven, and can be slippery.
Bring a walking stick if you have difficulty with uneven terrain, as there are no handrails for most of the climb.
Allow plenty of time for the ascent, as the climb is more strenuous than the short distance suggests.
Do not attempt the climb in rainy or wet weather, as the stone steps become treacherous.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this remains a sacred site; do not touch or attempt to climb the rock face carvings.
