Takanabe Taishi Stone Monuments and Mochida Burial Mounds

Takanabe Taishi (高鍋大師) is Takanabe's most famous spot. Located in the Mochida ancient burial mound area in the hills to the north-west of town, the site features over 700 stone buddhas and other statues. They were carved by a man named Yasukichi Iwaoka who wanted to appease the souls of those buried in the mounds after a series of grave robberies. He spent over forty years constructing the monuments. 

Many of the statues are very buddha like. 

But the most spectacular are quite monstrous.  

There are also animal statues, such as these turtles. 

Most of the statues have brightly coloured areas which contrast with the drab grey stone. 

Small stone cairns and other features are dotted around the statues and burial mounds. 

There is a small Inari shrine complete with the typical white foxes which serve the Buddhist deity. 

The hillside location means there is a great view of the town and across to the pacific ocean beyond. 

Many smaller statues line the hillside and the town is currently working to transform the hill into a flowering slope. I think the footpath is partially complete so access should be possible from the bottom of the hill. If not then access is possible from the main burial mound area. 

The burial mounds of Mochida danchi litter the surrounding farmland. They may not be as impressive as nearby Saitobaru but the more residential nature of the area give it a unique atmosphere.