Sesshō-seki

Welcome to the Sesshō-seki, or the 'Killing Stone,' located in the stark, volcanic landscape of Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture. As you step onto the wooden boardwalk, the first thing you will notice is the overwhelming scent of…

As you begin your walk up the right side of the boardwalk, you will encounter the Moja-ishi, or the 'Blind Snake Rock.' This large, weathered stone resembles the head and neck of a serpent, and it carries a tale of compassion…

To your left, you will see one of the most striking sights in the park: the Sennin Jizo, a massive gathering of stone statues adorned with bright red bibs. While the name 'Sennin' implies a thousand statues, there are currently…

We have now reached the climax of the path: the Sesshō-seki itself. This large rock, tied with a sacred 'shimenawa' rope, is where the Nine-Tailed Fox's spirit was said to be trapped for nearly nine centuries. …

Standing near the stone, it is worth reflecting on the words of Matsuo Basho, who visited this exact spot during his journey for 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North.' He wrote, 'The Sesshō-seki is located where the hot springs…

Before leaving the area, we must ascend the steps to the Onsen Jinja, or the Hot Spring Shrine. This is the 'chief shrine' for 80 other shrines across the Nasu region. …

Just below the shrine lies the historic Shika no Yu (Deer's Spring), the oldest hot spring in the Nasu area, dating back to the early 7th century. According to the 'Shika no Yu' legend, a hunter named Kano Saburo Yukihiro saw a…

Our journey through the Sesshō-seki and the surrounding landscape of Nasu has taken us from the heights of imperial legend to the depths of volcanic reality. We have walked among the silent Sennin Jizo, witnessed the split of a…