Tranquil Buddha Sculpture Garden, Hanibe Caves, Japan
Serene Buddha statue surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil ponds in a Japanese sculpture garden.

The Terrifying Hanibe Caves

The Hanibe Caves harbour some mysterious creatures … enter if you dare!

Hanibe Caves ハ ニ ベ 岩 窟 (Hanibe gankutsu), in Komatsu city (Ishikawa prefecture) … home to a strange collection of statues of Buddhas and other deities. A crazy conga that swings between peaceful Buddhas and images of the torments of hell.

Hanibe Caves
Hanibe Caves

This place used to be a stone quarry. To find better quality rocks, miners dug down and created a number of cavities.

The quarry was long abandoned before being rediscovered by sculptor Yuma Tsugata. The story goes that he was drunk when he stumbled across the site.

Tsugata opened a temple there in 1951 and his creativity flowed through the hundred sculptures that populate the 150 metres of tunnels.

Hanibe Caves
Hanibe Caves

From the car park, visitors are greeted by a huge Buddha head, 15 metres high. The catchphrase written at the entrance sets the scene right away: “The village of Buddha, where demons also play” 鬼 も 遊 ぶ 仏 陀 の 里.

Hanibe Caves
Hanibe Caves

The name Hanibe comes from the word haniwa, which means clay figurine.

In the first section of the caves, statues of Indian deities (Daikoku and Shakyamuni) are on display. Then come representations from the Kama Sutra. The further you venture into the depths, the more terrifying the symbols become.

Hanibe Caves
Hanibe Caves

The second part of the caves is devoted to Buddhist punishments and other tortures of hell:

  • Someone crushed by a car, cut in half or covered in blood.
  • Demons who drink human blood and skewer human flesh.
  • Erotic statues of all kinds (such as an oversized flaccid penis).

Hard to believe you’re still in a Buddhist temple.

The sculptor has carved nearly a hundred statues and made it a point of honour that they should all be unique. Every face and every expression has been carefully considered.

Once out of the hell caves, climb the path to the hilltop where a reclining Buddha will bring you some inner peace.

Hanibe Caves
Hanibe Caves

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Dusky bottles sigh In the silence of lost time, Light whispers secrets. 光が囁く、 失われた時の中、 くすんだ瓶のため息。 #offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #urbexjapan #hiddenhistories #forgottenplaces #mysteriouslight #vintagevibes
Winding path of dreams, Terracotta whispers soft, Lanterns guide the heart. 夢の小道、 素焼きの囁き、 灯籠が心を導く。 #offbeatjapan #japan #historicvillage #traditionaltown #serenesettings #culturalheritage #lanternlight
Emerald circle, Teal whispers 'round stories told— History afloat. エメラルドの輪、 話を語る青の囁き、 歴史が浮かぶ。 #offbeatjapan #japan #mysticalisland #naturelovers #hiddenjapan #historicaltreasures #uniquepaths
A magical night at an abandoned onsen, where milky blue waters blend with glowing lights in a peaceful forest. Tradition and nature meet in this perfect spot for relaxation and serenity.幻想的な夜、廃墟の温泉で。乳白色の水と光が森の中で静かに調和しています。伝統と自然が融合し、リラックスと穏やかさがここにあります。#onsen #japantravel #serenescape #traditionmeetsnature #abandonedplaces #offbeatjapan #japan
A captivating night scene in Japan where ancient traditions meet modern city lights. This balance of the old and new is what makes urban life here so unique and beautiful. 静かな夜、日本の都市で古と現代の光が交わる情景。この古と新の調和が、ここ日本の都市の魅力を引き立てます。 #UrbanJapaneseNights #TraditionMeetsModern #NeonAndLanterns #TokyoVibes #CulturalContrast #OffbeatJapan #Japan
From the weathered castle roof, witness the timeless beauty of Japan as a quaint town rests peacefully amid rolling hills and a golden sky. 🌄🏯---古びた城の屋根から、静かに横たわる谷の町と黄金の空を背景に見渡す日本の時を超えた美しさ。🌄🏯---#offbeatjapan #japan #castleviews #historicjapan #sunsetmagic #explorehistory #tranquility
A pop of color brightens the roadside with this charming fruit-shaped bus stop, showcasing Naoshima's unique blend of art and practicality, where every corner holds a piece of its creative spirit.カラフルなフルーツ型のバス停が道端を彩ります。直島では、アートと実用性が見事に融合し、創造的なスピリットがあちこちに漂っています。#Naoshima #offbeatjapan #artisland #creativebusstop #uniquearchitecture #tangerinedream #japan
Lost in time on this charming street, where history, traditional architecture, and stunning nature merge beautifully. Discover the heart of Japan’s ceramic artistry and its serene beauty.---歴史、伝統的な建築、そして美しい自然が見事に調和するこの魅力的な通りで、時を忘れる。日本の陶芸とその静かな美しさを発見してみてください。---#ceramics #history #traditionaljapan #architecture #nature #offbeatjapan #japan