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by Yuka Morii
Clay sculpture
Sacred white fox of Mount Gongen whose legend tells of healing waters and the discovery of thermal springs.
According to legend, an injured white fox healed its wounds in a pond beside a small temple at the foot of Mount Gongen. The water in the pond was found to be warm, and when the ground was dug, hot spring water gushed forth. As if that were not miraculous enough, a golden statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, was also unearthed. The site soon became a popular destination for worshippers and visitors alike.
According to legend, an injured white fox healed its wounds in a pond beside a small temple at the foot of Mount Gongen. The water in the pond was found to be warm, and when the ground was dug, hot spring water gushed forth. As if that were not miraculous enough, a golden statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, was also unearthed. The site soon became a popular destination for worshippers and visitors alike.