A place where you can leave this world behind. To contemplate how the students lived without electricity or any modern day commodities in the cave. How they focused on the physical labour, enlightenment and art left for generations to come.
It truly left me with a feeling of awe, a feeling of what humans are capable of.
One of the most unique and underrated experiences in Kanagawa-ken, the Tata Caves are just a short bus ride from Ōfuna station. The caves are cared for by a group of local history actives and the temple staff. This heritage site is much bigger than I expected. I was in the caves for over 35+ minutes. It is cold and damp inside and somehow scary as it was when I was there alone, however, this is one of the most unique experiences in Japan for anyone interested in culture, history or spirituality. I cannot understand how some of these carvings were crested in the 13th century in the extremely dark conditions within the caves. It is a feat of human faith and ingenuity and something everyone visiting Kanagawa should experience at least one.
Best caves ever! It was cheap. They gave you a small candle to light your way so bring a flashlight to. There were lights inside to guide you but again there were so darker areas. Cooler inside to so nice in the summer. Omg these were the best caves!
Taya Caves in Yokohama are a mesmerizing blend of nature's craft and human ingenuity. Carved into the rocky hillsides, these subterranean wonders bear testament to centuries of spiritual devotion and artistry. As you meander through the dimly lit corridors, the intricate Buddhist carvings and inscriptions evoke awe and reflection.
The naturally cool atmosphere and the echoes of dripping water add to the caves' mystical ambiance. A visit to Taya Caves is not just an exploration of underground marvels; it's a journey into Japan's rich spiritual tapestry. For history enthusiasts and seekers alike, these caves are a hidden gem awaiting discovery.
Can’t take pics inside, but the place is a wonder. Man made - carved out cave - by devoted ascetic monks - starting around 13th Century - 470 meters long! Some of it was dug out by hand! Incredible, and beautiful, aesthetic work.
We went on a weekday midday, and hardly anyone was there. As such, using candlelight to light our dim passage, it felt lovely / spooky!
The Taya Caves, also known as Taya no Dokutsu, are a series of man-made caves located in Yokohama. They were originally dug by Buddhist monks in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) for meditation and religious purposes.
Inside the Taya Caves, visitors can see intricate carvings of Buddhist deities, symbolic animals, and various religious motifs etched into the walls. The caves also feature narrow passageways, small chambers, and underground halls used for meditation.
The Taya Caves were hand-carved by Buddhist monks over centuries. They used simple tools to chisel out the intricate designs and passages, creating a labyrinthine network of caves for spiritual practice.
The Taya Caves are generally safe for exploration, but visitors should be cautious as the passageways can be narrow, dark, and uneven. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical and religious significance of the carvings and the cave structure. Tours are usually conducted in Japanese, but some guides may offer explanations in English.
