Overshadowed by the more well-known temple towns of Atami, Ito, and Shimoda, the small town of Usami often gets lost in the shuffle. But several miles from the seaside, in the hills of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, sits one of the country’s largest seated Buddha statues. Perhaps it’s evading popularity due to its ambiguously public nature. Making the up-hill trek from Usami station, you will find this striking temple complex, though you may or may not be welcomed—it is a mystery whether or not the temple is open to the public….
