This Jizō statue, originally placed here to protect pilgrims, came to be associated in the Meiji Period with the power to prevent young children from crying at night, hence its name “Yonaki”--or “night crying”--Jizō. Sometimes you can find baby bottles placed as offerings in front of this red-aproned statue. The crying of children at night must have plagued parents since ancient times.

The Jizō serves as a guardian deity, protecting the area against evil and keeping children from harm.

The bridge beside the Yonaki Jizō is the same size as the Matsumoto-toge Pass bridge spanning the mountain stream. Many travelers would stop and drink the river water to quench their thirst.