Iwashimizu Hachimangu Gorinto Pagoda

A Stone Pagoda Nearly Six Metres High

The Iwashimizu Hachimangu Gorinto Pagoda (石清水八幡宮五輪塔) is a stone five-ring pagoda of the late Kamakura period (1275 to 1332) in Yawata, Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on February 19, 1957 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency records one stone five-ring pagoda of the late Kamakura period; designation number 01397.

A Pagoda of Rare Size

The Iwashimizu Hachimangu Gorinto Pagoda is a stone five-ring pagoda at the foot of Mount Otokoyama (Japan Tourism Agency). The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as a monumental pagoda of around the end of the Kamakura period, of rare size, with a total height approaching twenty shaku, about 6 metres.

A five-ring pagoda stacks forms representing the five elements, earth, water, fire, wind and void, from the bottom up (Japan Tourism Agency).

Why It Is an Important Cultural Property

The Agency designates it as an Important Cultural Property for its monumental scale, rare for a pagoda of around the end of the Kamakura period.

What to Look For

The pagoda bears no inscription, and its purpose is unknown (Japan Tourism Agency). The best-known legend, says the Japan Tourism Agency, is that a merchant returning from China survived a storm by praying to Hachiman and built it in thanks, which is why it is also called the Seafaring Monument.

Visiting

It is owned by Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Opening hours and access are covered on the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine group page.