Taya Caves

Jill, I, and the children went to a really cool place near the Ofuna train station -- the Taya Caves. The caves were used as a seminary by the Shingon Sect of Buddhist monks beginning in the 12th century. Over the course of 500 years, the caves were enlarged from their natural state, by hand, by these monks.

To attain enlightenment, disciples would enter their own exercise halls within the cave. Here they practiced "austerities" such as fasting for 21 days, meditating, and digging cliffs and tunnels by hand. The original length of the tunnels within the cave was 1500 metres; only about 400 metres are now open to the public.

The ceilings and walls of the cave are elaborately carved with Buddhist representations. The cave contains ventilation openings, drainage, and even a drinking water system! All built by hand!