In 1613 Amida-ji's (阿弥陀寺) founder, Tanzei (弾誓), finally became a 'living Buddha', achieving mummification whilst still alive (meditating within a stone coffin).
Tanzei is the southernmost mummified monk in Japan (a practice much more common in the north).
🙏THE MUMMY IN THE CAVE🤕
Beyond Ōhara, perched on the forested slopes of Yakisugi-yama (焼杉山), high above Kochidani valley (古知谷) and the old 'Mackerel Highway' (若狭街道), is Amida-ji.
Inside a small cave the temple's mummified founder continues to watch over the faithful.
