Buzen Province: the Tunnel to the Rakan Monastery
Printerprinted by
Utagawa Hiroshige I 歌川 広重
(Japanese, 1797–1858)
Date1854
Mediumink and color on paper
Dimensions34.3 x 22.9 cm (13 1/2 x 9 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection
Object number1901.59.1455
DescriptionPrint no. 61 of the series: "Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces"Label TextFolklore says that in the 1700s, a Buddhist monk, known as Zenkai, spent 30 years carving this tunnel through the volcanic rock. This legendary feat gave pilgrims the only safe route to reach the temple of the Rakan Monastery. Before its construction, many travelers were said to have fallen from the cliffs above. The famous tunnel featured here is still visited today.
On View
Not on viewUtagawa Hiroshige I 歌川 広重
1855