S P O T ／ SPOT-184
Kasagi-dera Temple and the Kasagi-yama Cliff Carvings and Boulder Complex
笠置寺・笠置山磨崖仏と巨石群かさぎでら・かさぎさんまがいぶつときょせきぐん
A sacred site where megalithic belief dating from the Yayoi period fused with Buddhism. The entire 289-metre Mt Kasagi constitutes the temple precinct, described as 'a theme park of boulders.' During the Gen'ko War (1331), Emperor Go-Daigo took refuge here. The site is also regarded as the place of origin of the Omizutori rite at Todai-ji. The principal object of veneration is a monumental cliff-carved image of Maitreya said to be among the oldest in Japan, though only the sunken relief of its mandorla now survives — the main image was lost to fire during the Gen'ko War. The precinct contains a circuit of approximately 800 metres linking sites of ascetic practice: the Kokuzo cliff carving, the 'Yurugi Stone' (a trembling rock), a 'womb passage' through boulders, and other megalithic formations. Historical remains include the site of Emperor Go-Daigo's field headquarters, a thirteen-storey stone pagoda (Important Cultural Property), and the Gedatsu Bell (Important Cultural Property).
H I G H L I G H T S
Highlights
- 01The Maitreya cliff carving — reputedly the oldest in Japan — survives only as the mandorla recess cut into the rock face; the main figure was destroyed by fire during the Gen'ko War of 1331
- 02An approximately 800-metre circuit links ascetic-practice sites including the Kokuzo cliff carving, the trembling 'Yurugi Stone,' a womb-passage boulder, and further megalithic formations
- 03Emperor Go-Daigo's field headquarters site, the thirteen-storey stone pagoda (Important Cultural Property), and the Gedatsu Bell (Important Cultural Property) remain within the precinct
- 04The Shogatsudo (New Year Hall) is regarded as the site of origin of the Todai-ji Omizutori (Shunie) rite
- 05The 'Kasagi Stone' — a boulder from which the place-name is said to derive, based on the legend that Prince Otomo set down his kasa (sedge hat) here
A C C E S S ／ M E T A
Essentials
- Location
- Kyoto Prefecture Kasagi Town, Soraku District
- Address
- 京都府相楽郡笠置町笠置山29
- Fee
- 大人500円（2025年4月1日改定）・中学生以下100円
- Hours
- 日の出〜日没（概ね8:00〜17:00）
- Status
- 現存（拝観可）
- Official
- https://kasagidera.net
D E E P D I V E
Deep Dive
Religion
Religion
The temple belongs to the Chisan branch of Shingon Buddhism, with Maitreya (Miroku Bosatsu) as its main deity. It represents a sacred fusion of ancient megalith worship and Buddhist doctrine. A cave called the Senjukutsu (Dragon Hole) was believed to connect to Tusita Heaven (Maitreya's realm), and monk Jitchu reportedly traveled there to receive the ritual now performed at Todai-ji as the Omizutori ceremony. The site also bears strong En-no-Gyoja (ascetic) associations.
Architecture
Architecture
The 800-meter pilgrimage circuit weaves through enormous granite outcroppings. The great Maitreya relief (originally 15m × 15m) survives only as a halo-shaped depression after the 1331 fire. The stone Jizo Kokuzo relief (late Nara–early Heian, tentative dating) is one of the few pre-fire survivals. The 13-storied stone pagoda (Important Cultural Property, late Kamakura–Muromachi era) and the Gedatsu Bell (Important Cultural Property, 1196, rare Chinese-style hexagonal base) are notable extant works. The Shogatsu-do hall was rebuilt by the Tsu藤 domain lord Todo Takatsugi in the mid-17th century.
Cultural Property
Cultural Property
National Important Cultural Properties: the 13-storied stone pagoda, the Gedatsu Bell (1196), and manuscript liturgical texts by Jokei. Kasagi-yama is designated a National Historic Site and Scenic Spot. Several scroll paintings and documents are designated Kyoto Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties.