Important Cultural Property of Ishikawa
石 川 県 の 重 要 文 化 財Ishikawa’s Important Cultural Properties — designated for their value to the nation’s cultural history.
Standing on a forested hilltop behind Yakuōin Onsenji Temple in Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, this Kamakura-period five-ring stone pagoda is believed to be the memorial tower of Myōgaku Shōnin — the Heian-era monk who created the oldest known Japanese fifty-sound chart. Carved from tuff and inscribed with Sanskrit mantras and lotus-petal motifs, the tower was designated a nationally Important Cultural Property in 1957. Follow the charming Aiueo Path with its Kutani-ware tiles to discover the origins of the Japanese writing system.
More from Ishikawa
Ishikawa’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.
The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.
Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.