大久保入口の石仏・石塔群

Did travelers in the 12th century pray for safe passage at the Motohakone Stone Buddhas? They did. The Motohakone Stone Buddhas stand as silent witnesses to centuries of travelers’ hopes and fears. These weathered figures and stupas, nestled near the Shojingaike pond along Route 1, whisper tales of a time when this area was considered a perilous “hell road.” Imagine the scene: sulfurous steam rising from the volcanic landscape. Twisted rocks and barren terrain painting a picture of desolation. Travelers on the Hakone highway, the main artery between Kyoto and Kamakura, would have been understandably uneasy. To ease their anxieties, they carved Buddhist images into the lava rocks. These carvings, known as the Motohakone Stone Buddhas, served as prayers for protection on the treacherous journey. The area around Shojingaike pond, with its desolate beauty and volcanic activity, was viewed with superstition. It was believed to be a place where the earth’s fiery breath could be felt, a place of spirits and unseen forces. The very landscape inspired awe and fear, leading to the creation of these roadside shrines. The Motohakone Stone Buddhas, a designated National Important Cultural Property, offer a glimpse into the spiritual landscape of medieval Japan. They stand as a testament to the power of belief in a time when journeys were fraught with danger. Today, as you stand before these ancient carvings, you can almost feel the echoes of those prayers. The hope for safe passage, the fear of the unknown, the reverence for the natural world – all captured in the weathered stone.