This temple is one of Zen Buddhism where ascetics carved out caves from the hillside, making elaborate designs along the way. This was the most amazing site I visited in all of my travels to Japan this trip. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed. I’m not even certain I should have taken this one.

You are given a small candle to light your way in the caves and there is a large candle burning just inside (visible from the picture above) for you to light it. The first span of the cave is dark and I wondered if this candle would be my only source of light throughout the caverns, and if I would be able to see the pictures in the wall as a result.

With several careful steps forward, I reached the first set of carvings and was surprised by motion censored lights that popped on, revealing peacocks carved into an alcove. I was floored. The carvings were so amazing and intricate. It was amazing to me they were done so long ago.

After the first section many different atriums and walls lit up showing amazing carving after amazing carving. Many were actually shrines to different Buddha’s carved into the very rock. It was amazing to see.

Combine all of this with the sound of running water (also carved out in times of old but updated with some piping here and there) and tunnels for air vents and there was such a calm feeling with an edge of concern: this definitely looked like the area in a video game where you were attacked by monsters.

All in all, this experience was amazing and I recommend the Taya Caves to everyone. For a mere ¥400 it was well worth it!