Juroku-rakan iwa provides a striking starting point for exploring Fukura’s cultural and coastal connections. Twenty-two Buddhist figures, including a Buddha figure, are carved into the coastal rocks. The figures were completed in 1868 after five years of work. The rock ensemble thus combines a clearly identified religious motif with a specific history of its creation. Its number of figures, subject, and year of completion offer different points of interest for visitors.

Rock Art and Coastal Views

From the area around Juroku-rakan iwa, Tobishima can be seen on the horizon in clear weather; the island lies 40 kilometers off the coast. If a distant view is important to your plans, take the visibility conditions into account: seeing the island is weather-dependent, not a guaranteed part of your itinerary.

At Kamaiso Beach, a small freshwater spring emerges from beneath the sand; the beach is a five-minute drive from Juroku-rakan iwa. In summer, it is especially pleasant to stand in the cool spring water. Natural water conditions can vary. The appeal here is a seasonal experience by the water, unlike the possible distant view of Tobishima.

The Fukura Coast is in Nishinohama, Fukura.

Dengaku and Festival Dates

In 1991, Fukura Dengaku was selected for measures to record it as an intangible folk cultural property; in 1993, it was designated an intangible folk cultural property of Yamagata Prefecture. These are two distinct steps: selection for recording and subsequent designation by the prefecture. The traditional Hanagasa dance is a Dengaku dance at Fukura Kuchinomiya of Chokaisan Omonoimi Shrine; prayers are offered through it for good health and a bountiful harvest.

The annual main festival of Fukura Kuchinomiya of Chokaisan Omonoimi Shrine takes place on May 4 and 5. The Juroku-rakan Festival follows each year in late July; a ceremony praying for safety at sea is held in front of Juroku-rakan iwa.

The two festivals differ in season and setting: the shrine’s main festival takes place in May, while the ceremony in front of the rock figures is held in late July. Check the dates for the year of your trip if you plan to time your stay around either festival.

Getting There and Planning

Juroku-rakan iwa is a five-minute drive from Fukura Station. Road conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Sunset Juroku Rakan is a noodle restaurant at 7-30 Nishidate, Fukura. Check the latest operating information before your trip.

When choosing your overnight dates, you can combine these cultural plans with the coast: a festival offers an annual date, standing in the spring water is a summer experience, and a view of Tobishima requires clear visibility. First decide whether you want your stay to focus more on a festival or a seasonal visit to the coast.

Discover more destinations: Yamagata, Mogami District, Kaminoyama, Nishimurayama District, Shinjō, Tendo, Higashine, Takahata

For the broader travel overview: Yamagata Prefecture.