Fureai Sekibutsu no Sato (Village of Statues)

Taken May 2024 - Photographer Anna Duren aduren08279 (Atlas Obscura User)

Fureai Sekibutsu no Sato, or Village of Statues, lives up to its name. The public park is full of human figures, but they aren’t celebrities or politicians. Instead, many of the 800-plus statues represent the friends and employees of local entrepreneur and park founder Mutsuo Furukawa.

Established in 1989, it took about four years for all of the statues to be created and situated throughout the park. The oldest statues were placed at the top of the hill, while the newer ones were at the lower levels.

The park fell into disrepair after Furukawa’s death in 2012, but was later rediscovered by a photographer who claimed the abandoned area was incredible but “felt forbidden.” Today, the Village of Statues is cared for by volunteers.

The detailed statues range from ones that look like people, animals (both fantasy and nonfictional), humanoid beasts representing the zodiac, Buddhist figures, and even a statue of Mutsuo Furukawa himself.

Locals believe the statues come alive at night, giving the park a reputation for being haunted.

Know Before You Go

This area is free and open to the public.

Watch your step, as some of the pathways and stairs are worn and could be covered in tall grasses or hiding small animals like snakes- making it dangerous for people.

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