Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda: A Dated Kamakura Stone Stupa
The Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda (一乗寺五輪塔, Ichijoji Gorinto) is a late Kamakura-period stone stupa at Ichijoji in Sakamoto-cho, Kasai City, Hyogo Prefecture, and in 1953 was designated a national Important Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records that the Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda bears an inscription dated the 17th day of the 10th month of 1321. It belongs to Ichijoji.
Why It Was Designated
A five-ring pagoda stacks stones shaped as a cube, sphere, pyramid, half-moon and jewel, standing for earth, water, fire, wind and void, and was made as a memorial or grave marker. With its carved date of 1321, the Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda is a dated example of late Kamakura stone work.
The Agency database gives no description beyond "stone five-ring pagoda".
What to Look For
Look for the inscription and the balance of the five stones. Kamakura five-ring pagodas have strong outlines, and dated examples help in dating other stone monuments.
The precinct also has other stone monuments, such as a stone hoto stupa and a stone kasatoba designated by the prefecture, according to the Kasai tourism association.
Visiting
Ichijoji is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is 500 yen, according to the Saigoku pilgrimage association. Access and treasure-hall booking are covered on the Ichijoji Temple page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Hyogo
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda
- [ Himeji Castle & Kobe Night View Cruise ]
Q&A
- When was the Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda made?
- It carries an inscription dated 1321.
- When was the Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda designated?
- On 29 August 1953.
- What is a five-ring pagoda?
- A stack of five stones representing earth, water, fire, wind and void, made as a memorial or grave marker.
- What other stone monuments are at Ichijoji?
- A stone hoto stupa and stone kasatoba designated by the prefecture, among others.
- How much does it cost to visit?
- Admission to Ichijoji is 500 yen; it is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Basic Information
| Name | Ichijoji Temple Stone Five-Ring Pagoda (一乗寺五輪塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | 821-17 Sakamoto-cho, Kasai City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/8/29 (Showa 28) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone five-ring pagoda |
| Owner | Ichijoji |
| Public Access | Open within the temple (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 500 yen) |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Ichijoji Five-Ring Pagoda (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2392
- Kasai Tourism Association: Ichijoji (Japanese)
- https://kanko-kasai.com/spot/culture/itijoji/
- Saigoku Pilgrimage Association: Ichijoji (Japanese)
- https://saikoku33.gr.jp/place/26
Last verified: 2026.09.27
