S P O T ／ SPOT-161

Tayasan Joshin-ji Temple — Yuga-do Cave (Taya no Dokutsu)

田谷山定泉寺 瑜伽洞（田谷の洞窟）たやさんじょうせんじ ゆがどう（たやのどうくつ）

Yuga-do is an artificial cave within the precincts of Joshin-ji, a temple of the Shingon Daikaku-ji sect in Yokohama's Sakae Ward. Formally known as Tayasan Yuga-do, it traces its direct origins to the early Kamakura period, when it was excavated as a Shingon esoteric practice hall for twenty-five sub-temples of Tsurugaoka. It was reorganized and expanded during the Tenpo era (1830–1844). Carved through a single stratum of slate, the interior extends approximately one kilometer on three levels, its walls and ceiling densely incised by ascetics with approximately 250 carved reliefs: the principal image of Ichigan Kobo Daishi, the deities of the Ryokai Mandala, the Eighteen Rakan, and others. The cave functions as a condensed pilgrimage substitute for the sacred sites of Shikoku, Saigoku, and elsewhere, and was designated a registered cultural property of Yokohama City in 1990.