Forty-Three Steps of Granite
The Meisekiji Temple Stone Steps and Stone Walls (明石寺石段及び石垣) is the steps up to the Niomon gate and the walls of the middle terrace of 1916 in Uwacho Ageishi, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 2, 2007 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records stone steps of 43 treads, 3.7 metres wide, and stone walls 65 metres long in all, extended in the early Showa period; registration number 38-0084.
Forty-Three Granite Steps
The steps, 3.6 metres wide with a landing, rise in 43 treads to the front of the Niomon gate (Agency for Cultural Affairs). They are of cut granite, each straight tread a single stone and each curved tread three stones joined.
The walls build up the middle terrace of the precinct in rough fieldstone laid at random, partly in a herringbone pattern on the west (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Together they shape a precinct that makes use of the slope.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
Look for the 43 granite steps and the herringbone stonework on the west (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The owner is not listed in the Agency record. No official information on visiting hours or fees was found. The nine registered structures, from the main hall to the stone steps, are introduced together on the Meisekiji Temple page.
Q&A
- When were they built?
- In 1916, with additions in the early Showa period.
- How many steps are there?
- 43, with a landing.
- What stone is used?
- Cut granite for the steps and fieldstone for the walls.
- Where do the steps lead?
- To the front of the Niomon gate.
- When was the Meisekiji Temple Stone Steps and Stone Walls registered?
- On October 2, 2007 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Meisekiji Temple Stone Steps and Stone Walls (明石寺石段及び石垣) |
|---|---|
| Location | 205 Uwacho Ageishi, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2007/10/02 (Heisei 19) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Steps: stone, 43 treads, 3.7 m wide; walls: stone, 65 m |
| Owner | Not listed in the Agency database |
| Public Access | No official information on access |
References
- Meisekiji Temple Stone Steps and Stone Walls (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006328
Last verified: 2026.10.24
