About
In the heart of Japan's Tochigi Prefecture, nestled within the serene embrace of Nasu Town, lies a landscape that whispers tales of ancient legends and exudes an aura both mystical and foreboding. Here, the air is thick with the pungent scent of sulfur, a constant reminder of the earth's restless spirit beneath. The terrain is rugged and barren, a stark contrast to the verdant surroundings, as if nature itself has recoiled from this enigmatic place.
Dominating this desolate expanse is a colossal stone, its surface weathered and scarred by time and elements. This is the infamous Sesshō-seki, or "Killing Stone," a moniker that evokes both curiosity and trepidation. The stone's ominous reputation is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore, entwined with the tale of the Nine-Tailed Fox, a creature of immense power and malevolence.
Centuries ago, as the story goes, a bewitching woman named Tamamo-no-Mae captivated the court of Emperor Toba. Her beauty was unparalleled, her intellect sharp, and her charm irresistible. Yet, beneath this alluring facade lurked a sinister truth—Tamamo-no-Mae was the incarnation of the Nine-Tailed Fox, a demon that had sown chaos across India and China before setting its sights on Japan. Her ultimate aim was to seize control of the nation by ensnaring the emperor in her web of deceit.
The emperor's health began to wane, his vitality sapped by an unknown malady. Sensing foul play, the court summoned the renowned onmyōji, Abe no Yasuchika. Through his mystical arts, Yasuchika unveiled Tamamo-no-Mae's true identity, exposing the fox's nefarious scheme. Unmasked, the demon fled the capital, seeking refuge in the vast wilderness of Nasu.
Determined to eradicate this threat, the emperor dispatched two formidable warriors, Kazusa-no-suke Hirotsune and Miura-no-suke Yoshiaki, to hunt down the fox. After an arduous pursuit, they confronted the creature on the plains of Nasu. A fierce battle ensued, culminating in the fox's demise. However, even in death, the demon's malevolence endured. Its body transformed into the Sesshō-seki, a stone that emitted a lethal poison, claiming the lives of any who dared approach—be they human, beast, or bird.
The stone's deadly aura persisted for centuries, a testament to the fox's lingering curse. It wasn't until the arrival of the virtuous monk, Genno, that the curse was lifted. With a single, powerful strike of his staff, Genno shattered the stone into three pieces, dispersing its malevolent energy. One fragment remained in Nasu, while the others were said to have been flung to distant lands, their exact locations shrouded in mystery.
Today, the Sesshō-seki stands as a silent sentinel, its presence a bridge between the past and present. Visitors tread carefully along the wooden pathways that encircle the stone, mindful of the legends that permeate the air. The surrounding landscape, known as Sai-no-Kawara, or the "Riverbed of the Afterlife," is dotted with countless Jizo statues, each adorned with red bibs and caps. These compassionate deities are believed to guide the souls of departed children, offering solace in the afterlife.
The area is also home to the Kyōden Jizō, a monument dedicated to the tale of Kyōden, a monk who met a tragic fate due to his filial impiety. As the story recounts, Kyōden, in a fit of anger, mistreated his mother before embarking on a pilgrimage to Nasu. Upon reaching the Sesshō-seki, he was engulfed by flames and perished, a divine retribution for his sins. The monument serves as a poignant reminder of the virtues of filial piety and the consequences of moral transgressions.
Throughout the year, the Sesshō-seki and its environs draw countless visitors, each seeking to connect with the rich tapestry of history and legend that envelops this place. In May, the annual Gojinka-sai, or "Sacred Fire Festival," illuminates the night, with torch-lit processions and traditional performances paying homage to the area's storied past.
As the sun sets over Nasu, casting a golden glow upon the rugged terrain, the Sesshō-seki stands resolute—a symbol of nature's power, the enduring allure of folklore, and the delicate balance between the seen and unseen worlds.