A Great Stone Pagoda of 1286
The Ukishima Thirteen-Storey Stone Pagoda (浮島十三重塔) is one of the largest surviving stone pagodas, of thirteen storeys of 1286 in Tonoshima, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on March 31, 1953 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
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The Agency records a thirteen-storey stone pagoda; designation number 01192.
A Stone Pagoda Raised by Eison
The Ukishima thirteen-storey pagoda stands on an island in the Uji River in Uji, Kyoto, a stone pagoda of 1286 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The monk Eison is said to have raised it while building the Uji Bridge, with prayers to save the fish of the river.
The Agency counts it among the largest surviving stone pagodas and an excellent work in design and technique. Kyoto Prefecture notes that it stands 15 metres high on Tonoshima island, that it fell many times in floods and earthquakes, and that the present pagoda was dug up and restored at the end of the Meiji period.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency values it as one of the largest surviving stone pagodas and an excellent work in design and technique.
What to Look For
At the Ukishima pagoda, look for the 13 stone tiers rising 15 metres from the island in the Uji River (Kyoto Prefecture).
Visiting
The pagoda is owned by Hojoin Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It stands on Tonoshima island in the prefectural Uji Park, which Kyoto Prefecture gives as 10 minutes on foot from JR and Keihan Uji stations.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1286 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who built it?
- The monk Eison, it is said.
- How tall is it?
- 15 metres.
- Is it the original?
- It was restored at the end of the Meiji period.
- When was the Ukishima Thirteen-Storey Stone Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On March 31, 1953 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Ukishima Thirteen-Storey Stone Pagoda (浮島十三重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Tonoshima Island, Uji Park, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/03/31 (Showa 28) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Thirteen-storey stone pagoda |
| Owner | Hojoin Temple |
| Public Access | 10 minutes on foot from JR and Keihan Uji stations (Kyoto Prefecture) |
References
- Ukishima Thirteen-Storey Stone Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/1977
- Uji Park (Kyoto Prefecture, in Japanese)
- https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/koen-annai/uji.html
Last verified: 2026.11.06