Introduction
Standing over 6.6 meters tall in the quiet residential area of Ueyanagiemoto-machi in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, the Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda (十三重塔) is one of the finest examples of early Kamakura-period stone multi-tiered pagodas in Japan. Designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property in 1933, this magnificent stone tower dates back to 1230 (Kangi 2) and bears a precious inscription that records not only the exact year of its creation but also the names of the patron, the associated clan, and the master craftsman who built it. Though two tiers have been lost over the centuries, reducing it from thirteen to eleven stories, the pagoda remains an imposing and remarkably well-preserved testament to the sculptural artistry and religious devotion of medieval Japan.
Historical Background
The Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda was originally erected in 1230 at the site of Myodoji Temple (明導寺), now known as Jozenji (城泉寺), in the town of Yunomae in the Kuma District of Kumamoto Prefecture. Myodoji was established during the early Kamakura period by the local ruling Kume clan, and the temple grounds once held three stone pagodas: a thirteen-story, a nine-story, and a seven-story tower, all dating to the same year and attributed to the same workshop. The nine-story and seven-story pagodas remain at the original temple site and are themselves designated as nationally Important Cultural Properties.
During the Taisho era (1912–1926), the Thirteen-Story Pagoda was relocated from Yunomae to its current site in Yatsushiro City. It is noteworthy that the original temple name was actually "Joshinji" (浄心寺), named after its founder, but was erroneously recorded as "Jozenji" (城泉寺) during the official National Treasure designation process in 1915, and the misnomer has persisted ever since.
In April 2016, the pagoda suffered significant damage during the Kumamoto Earthquake, with the tower body and portions of the roofing shifting out of alignment. Restoration work was carried out between November 2016 and March 2017, successfully returning the pagoda to its former grandeur.
Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property
The Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda received its designation as a nationally Important Cultural Property on January 23, 1933, for several compelling reasons. First, the inscription carved into the base tier is exceptionally detailed for a stone monument of this era. It reads in part: "Kangi 2 (1230), eleventh month... Great Patron Shami Joshin... and the Fujiwara clan... Master Craftsman and Buddhist Sculptor Kosai... Assistant Craftsman Eiko... Stewards Fujiwara no Yoritada and Minamoto no Mitsuyoshi... Blacksmith Suemasa... Abbot Kongō Busshi Nensai." This level of documentation — identifying the date of construction, the patron, the artisans, and other participants — is extremely rare among Kamakura-period stone towers and makes it an invaluable resource for understanding medieval Japanese stonemasonry and religious patronage.
Second, the pagoda exemplifies the bold, realistic sculptural style characteristic of the Kamakura period. The four-directional Buddha figures on each tier, the intricately carved roof details including corner rafters and purlins, and the fearsome demon face carvings at the four corners of each eave all demonstrate a level of craftsmanship and artistic ambition that sets it apart from other stone pagodas of the period.
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Despite the loss of two tiers, the pagoda still rises to an impressive height of 6.62 meters. It belongs to the category known as "multi-tiered stone pagodas" (石造多層塔), where each level is composed of a separate shaft (塔身) and a canopy-like roof (笠). Each tier's shaft bears carvings of the Four Directional Buddhas (四方仏) — one on each face — a common feature in esoteric Buddhist stone towers that symbolically radiates the blessings of the Buddha in all directions.
The underside of each roof tier is carved with remarkably detailed structural features that mimic timber-frame architecture, including corner rafters (隅木) and common rafters (垂木). At the four corners where the rafters terminate, fierce demon faces (鬼面) with bulging eyes and bared fangs are carved in dramatic relief. These guardian figures are intended to ward off evil and protect the sacred monument. Traces of the original vermillion (朱) pigment can still be observed on parts of the tower, offering a glimpse of the vivid coloring that once adorned the entire structure.
The construction technique of the pagoda — with the shaft and roof of each tier carved from separate blocks of stone — is known as the "interlayered" (間層式) method. This approach allowed for both the impressive overall height and the fine sculptural detail that distinguish this pagoda.
Visitor Information
The Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda is located on private residential property in the Ueyanagiemoto-machi district of Yatsushiro City. Because of this, visitors who wish to view the pagoda must contact the Cultural Promotion Division (文化振興課) of Yatsushiro City in advance at 0965-33-4533 to arrange a visit. Visitors are kindly asked to respect the privacy of the property owners and behave courteously during their visit.
To reach the pagoda, take a bus from JR Yatsushiro Station bound for the Ueyanagi area. Alight at the Ueyanagikamimachi (植柳上町) bus stop, from which it is approximately a 5-minute walk. The journey by bus takes about 25 minutes. Visitors arriving by car can access the area via the Yatsushiro Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway, approximately 15 minutes by car.
Surrounding Attractions
Yatsushiro City offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions that pair well with a visit to the Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda. Yatsushiro Castle Ruins (八代城跡), a nationally designated Historic Site also known as "White Heron Castle" for its striking limestone walls, is located in the city center and features well-preserved stone walls, moats, and cherry blossoms in spring. Nearby, the Shōhinken Garden (松浜軒), a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty built in 1688, offers a serene traditional Japanese tea garden famous for its irises in early summer.
History enthusiasts may also wish to visit Matsui Shrine (松井神社), which enshrines the Matsui clan lords who governed Yatsushiro Castle for generations, and is home to a famous centuries-old plum tree known as the Garyūbai (臥龍梅). For those interested in hot springs, the charming Hinagu Onsen (日奈久温泉) district, discovered in 1409, offers a nostalgic atmosphere with traditional wooden ryokan inns, including the nationally registered Kinparo (金波楼).
Fans of stone heritage can explore the broader "Yatsushiro Stone Craftsmen" (八代を創造した石工たちの軌跡) Japan Heritage story, which traces the legacy of the famed Taneyama stone masons who built stone bridges and structures across Kyushu and beyond.
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Q＆A
- Why does the Thirteen-Story Pagoda only have eleven tiers?
- Two of the original thirteen tiers have been lost over the nearly 800 years since the pagoda was built. The exact circumstances and timing of their loss are not recorded, but the inscription on the base tier confirms the original thirteen-story design. Despite this, the pagoda remains an imposing 6.62 meters tall and retains all of its key artistic features.
- Who built the Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda?
- According to the inscription carved on the base tier, the pagoda was commissioned by a lay Buddhist devotee named Shami Joshin (沙弥浄心) of the Fujiwara clan. The master craftsman was Kosai (幸西), who held the dual title of master builder and Buddhist sculptor (大工兼仏師), assisted by Eiko (栄幸). The stewards overseeing the project were Fujiwara no Yoritada and Minamoto no Mitsuyoshi.
- Can I visit the pagoda without a reservation?
- No. The pagoda stands on private residential property, so visitors must contact the Yatsushiro City Cultural Promotion Division at 0965-33-4533 in advance to arrange a viewing. Please respect the property owners' privacy and follow any guidance provided by city staff.
- Was the pagoda damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake?
- Yes, the April 2016 earthquake caused the tower body and portions of the roofing to shift significantly out of alignment. However, restoration work was promptly carried out from November 2016 to March 2017, and the pagoda has been fully repaired.
- Are the related nine-story and seven-story pagodas at the original temple site also worth visiting?
- Absolutely. The Nine-Story Stone Pagoda and Seven-Story Stone Pagoda at Jozenji (formerly Myodoji) in Yunomae Town are both nationally Important Cultural Properties created in the same year (1230) by the same workshop. Together with the Thirteen-Story Pagoda, they form a remarkable trio of early Kamakura stone towers. Yunomae Town is accessible by the Kuma River Railway (くま川鉄道) from Hitoyoshi.
Basic Information
| Name | Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda (十三重塔) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Nationally Important Cultural Property (Building) |
| Date of Designation | January 23, 1933 |
| Period | Early Kamakura period, 1230 (Kangi 2) |
| Height | 6.62 m (currently 11 of 13 original tiers) |
| Material | Stone (multi-tiered pagoda, interlayered construction) |
| Original Location | Myodoji Temple (now Jozenji), Yunomae Town, Kuma District, Kumamoto |
| Current Location | 5642 Ueyanagiemoto-machi, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture |
| Access | JR Yatsushiro Station → bus 25 min → Ueyanagikamimachi stop → 5 min walk |
| Visiting | Advance reservation required. Contact: Yatsushiro City Cultural Promotion Division (0965-33-4533) |
References
- 十三重塔（国指定） / 熊本県八代市
- https://www.city.yatsushiro.lg.jp/kiji003394/index.html
- 十三重塔 - 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/148761
- 国指定文化財等データベース - 十三重塔
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/3564
- 城泉寺(浄心寺)阿弥陀堂 / ゆのまえかじり / 湯前町
- https://www.town.yunomae.lg.jp/kankou/kiji003919/index.html
- 十三重塔 - じゃらんnet
- https://www.jalan.net/kankou/spt_43202aj2200024083/
Last verified: 2026.04.16