Reigan-do Cave & Un'ganzenji Temple

Overview

Located in Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Reigan-do Cave is renowned as the place where the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spent his last five years in Kumamoto, writing his seminal work, *Go Rin No Sho*. Inside the cave rests Iwadokan Kannon, a Kannon statue whose history predates even that of Un'ganzenji Temple. Legend says that while being transported from a foreign land, the statue's vessel capsized, yet the Kannon miraculously floated ashore on a plank, eventually finding its home in Reigan-do Cave. It's said that the Heian period poet, Higaki, also visited this Iwadokan Kannon. The narrow pathway carved into the mountainside between Un'ganzenji Temple and Reigan-do Cave is lined with five hundred Rakan statues. These statues were donated approximately 200 years ago by Kumamoto merchant, Fuchidaya Gihei, after 24 years of dedicated work. The array of stone Buddhas, each with a unique posture and expression, evokes a profound sense of history and faith, creating a space of tranquility and serenity. The area surrounding Reigan-do Cave is known as "Higo Yamakei," reminiscent of Yabakei in Oita Prefecture, boasting stunning views of peculiar rock formations and vibrant autumn foliage. In this valley lies Tsuzumi-ga-taki Waterfall, mentioned in the *Shūi Wakashū* anthology. A waka poem by Kiyohara Motosuke, father of Sei Shōnagon and one of the Thirty-six Poetic Geniuses, describes the waterfall's sound. Reigan-do Cave is a captivating tourist destination where history, faith, and nature harmoniously coexist. Be sure to visit!