Nagasaki's Great Buddhist Cemetery

Cemetery on mountain stretches along for over a mile

Larry Knipfing May 21, 2012 - 1 min read

Little gems like this surprise you all the time.

Not only gravestone, but statues as well.

The cemeteries sit on a slope behind the temples.

An ancient, lone statue that is well cared for.

Ancient histories and Buddhist lore are buried in these mountains.

Gravestones often sit right along the path.

Many statues sit alone, but others are gathered in groups.

Some families have their own little corner, tucked away under a group of trees.

I was told that this is the Guardian of Hell.

A small family plot, somewhere in the middle of the mountain.

You'll find the occasional Shinto shrine as well.

The most amazing cemetery I have ever visited is located on a mountainside up behind the many temples that run along the Teramachi (temple town) district of the city. If you go up into the hills at Sofukuji and then wind your way to the left, going up and down the steep slopes, in and out, around and about, you will pass through a labyrinth of very old gravestones, Buddhist statues, huge trees, and secret corners. There is a surprise behind every turn. It is awe inspiring and beautiful at the same time. And from the ridge, you have an incredible view of the city below.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...