There are many sculpture of Nioson or Niozo in Japan temple. You can see that made by wood, stone, Iron or copper.
This Mt.Eagle cave temple (shukutsuzan temple) Nioson is made by stone and it is No.1 biggest in Japan.
It size about over 4 meters including stand.
This Mt.Eagle cave temple (shukutsuzan temple) is located Chichibu in Saitama prefecture and it is designated as Chichibu Fudasho No. 31 of 34 place in total.
Chichibu Fudasho mean the official name is Chichibu 34 Kannon Sacred Ground, which is a pilgrimage to Kannon.
And this temple is said to be a temple in the back of the steepest mountain.
You can see that by going inside.
After passing through between the two very strong face Nioson, the stairs continue up from there to the main hall.
I know you wanted to in style fashionable and meet Nioson, but in reality, recommended with sneakers and stretch pants.
Because, there are 296 stone steps.
The 296 stone steps has consist of the sum of the 276 characters of the Heart Sutra(Hannya Singyou) and the 20 characters of the sentence to hope(Huekou) that everyone can achieve Buddhism by spreading the merit of the transfer of merit.
Therefore, climbing this staircase means that you are chanting the sutra, and that you are spreading the merit of the sutra to the world.
It's a very thankful staircase.
As you climb up while meeting the gentle Buddha statues on the way, you may hear the sound of a bell from the main hall as if to heal the expression of agony.
The main hall will finally welcome you. The appearance of the temple, which looks like it was cut out from a rock, is not big or flashy, but you can feel the tenderness in the harshness.
Also, Seijo fall (Seijo no Taki) with a 60 meters or more high is next to the main hall. Now the amount of water has decreased but once it was used in meditation by sitting under a water fall (for Takigyo).
Don't forget the amazing things about this temple is that the eagle cave Buddha(Shukutsu magaibutsu) carved on the rock surface. It looks like a watching over me from the cliffs.
At that time, I did not have time so could not go all around, but if go around, will be able to meet many stone Buddhas.
Of course, there are many stone stairs but you can see mount view and feel deep history.
If you have long duration to travel in Japan, recommended pilgrimage to Chichibu 34 Kannon Sacred Ground.
You can meet the many sculpture and architecture of temple at each temple and other than unique atmosphere.
Of course you will hungry during a long trip, Not only pilgrimage but also try to eat "Waraji cutlet" (Waraji is shoe made from straw. It looks like a Waraji therefore local people named so) what local food in Chichibu in Saitama.
I hope this article will be help your plan of Japan travel.
Hope to see you soon in Japan.
Keep smile!
