Kujuno-to: The Foundation of Bungo's Stone Tower Heritage

In the peaceful countryside of Nozu Town, Usuki City, stands a remarkable testament to medieval Japanese stone artistry: Kujuno-to, a towering stone pagoda that has watched over the landscape for more than 750 years. Built in 1267 during the Kamakura period, this Important Cultural Property represents not just an exceptional work of Buddhist art, but the very foundation upon which the entire tradition of Bungo stone towers was built.

At nearly six meters tall, carved from volcanic tuff stone, and adorned with intricate Buddhist imagery, Kujuno-to offers international visitors a unique window into a lesser-known aspect of Japan's cultural heritage—the sophisticated stone carving tradition of Kyushu's Oita Prefecture.

A Monument at the Crossroads of History

Kujuno-to was erected in the fourth year of Bun'ei (1267), a pivotal moment in Japanese history. This was the Kamakura period, when warrior culture was flourishing and Buddhism was experiencing a remarkable renaissance with new sects spreading throughout Japan. The tower's construction occurred just before the first Mongol invasion attempt of 1274, making it a silent witness to one of Japan's most dramatic historical epochs.

The tower's inscription reveals fascinating details about its creation. Carved into the north face is the dedication: "Erected in the second year of Bun'ei, in the Year of the Rabbit, on the eighth day of the fourth month, respectfully inscribed by the monk Josen." This inscription uses a unique character formation, doubling the character for "two" to represent "four"—a distinctive calligraphic choice that adds to the monument's historical intrigue.

What makes Kujuno-to particularly significant is its role as the prototype for Bungo region's stone tower tradition. Scholars have determined that "all elements of Bungo's stone pagoda tradition are based on this tower." In essence, this single monument established the architectural vocabulary that would be repeated in countless stone towers throughout Oita Prefecture for centuries to come.

Architectural Excellence in Stone

Standing at 595 centimeters tall, Kujuno-to is constructed from volcanic tuff (gyokaigan), a relatively soft stone that allowed medieval craftsmen to achieve remarkable detail in their carving. The tower follows the traditional multi-tiered structure of a stone pagoda, rising majestically from its decorated base.

The base, measuring 106 centimeters wide and 43 centimeters high, features one of the tower's most distinctive elements: large kusuma (格狭間) decorative carved panels on each of its four faces. Kusuma are traditional arch-shaped ornamental designs frequently found in Buddhist architecture, and their presence on Kujuno-to demonstrates the high level of artistic ambition invested in this monument.

The shaft section (jūbu) rises from this base, measuring 78 centimeters in height and 77 centimeters in width. Here, the tower reveals its spiritual purpose: carved into each of the four faces are relief images of Buddhist deities. The east face depicts Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), the south face shows Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni Buddha), the north face features Miroku Nyorai (Maitreya Buddha), and the west face presents Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). This arrangement of the Four Buddhas reflects deep Buddhist cosmological principles, with each direction associated with specific aspects of enlightenment and salvation.

Above the shaft, the pagoda's tiers gradually diminish in size, creating the characteristic silhouette that has come to define the region's stone tower tradition. The weathering of over seven centuries has given the stone a distinctive patina, with moss and lichen adding natural beauty to the carved surfaces.

Cultural Significance and Recognition

In 1954, recognizing its exceptional historical and artistic value, the Japanese government designated Kujuno-to as an Important Cultural Property. This designation places it among the most significant cultural treasures of Oita Prefecture and acknowledges its critical role in understanding the development of Japanese stone architecture.

What sets Kujuno-to apart from other stone towers is its position as a cultural progenitor. While Japan is famous for its wooden temple architecture, the stone tower tradition of the Bungo region (historical Oita Prefecture) represents a parallel artistic achievement. These stone monuments, designed to withstand the elements for centuries, embody Buddhist teachings while showcasing the technical mastery of medieval Japanese stonemasons.

The tower's influence extended throughout the region, with subsequent stone pagodas adopting its proportions, decorative elements, and structural principles. For scholars of Japanese art history, Kujuno-to serves as a crucial reference point for understanding the evolution of stone architecture in Kyushu.

The Spiritual Context: Buddhism in Medieval Bungo

To appreciate Kujuno-to fully, visitors should understand its spiritual context. The Kamakura period witnessed a democratization of Buddhism in Japan, with new schools of thought making Buddhist teachings accessible to ordinary people. Stone towers like Kujuno-to served multiple purposes: they were memorial monuments, objects of devotion, expressions of faith, and permanent fixtures of the sacred landscape.

The presence of the Four Buddhas on Kujuno-to reflects the Pure Land Buddhist influences that were particularly strong in medieval Kyushu. Each Buddha represents different aspects of compassion and salvation, offering worshippers multiple paths to spiritual fulfillment. The tower would have served as a focus for prayer and meditation, its permanent presence in the landscape a reminder of Buddhist teachings.

The choice of stone as a medium reflects both practical and spiritual considerations. Unlike wooden structures vulnerable to fire and decay, stone promised permanence—a fitting material for expressing eternal Buddhist truths. The volcanic tuff used for Kujuno-to, sourced locally from Aso volcanic deposits, connects the monument to the dramatic geological forces that shaped Kyushu.

Visiting Kujuno-to: A Peaceful Encounter

Today, Kujuno-to stands in a quiet rural setting surrounded by agricultural fields, offering visitors a remarkably peaceful experience. Unlike the crowded tourist attractions of Japan's major cities, this Important Cultural Property can often be appreciated in solitude, allowing for genuine contemplation of its historical and artistic significance.

The tower is enclosed by a protective fence that maintains a respectful distance while still allowing clear views of the monument from all sides. The rural location provides an authentic context for understanding how such monuments functioned in medieval Japanese communities—not as museum pieces, but as integrated elements of the lived landscape.

Visitors should plan for a brief stop of 15-30 minutes to fully appreciate the tower. The site is accessible by car, though public transportation options are limited. The surrounding area of Nozu Town offers a glimpse of traditional rural Japan, with agricultural landscapes and quiet villages that have changed remarkably little over the centuries.

Exploring Nozu Town and the Kichomu Legend

A visit to Kujuno-to provides an excellent opportunity to explore Nozu Town, famous throughout Oita Prefecture for its association with Kichomu-san, a beloved folk hero known for his wit and clever problem-solving. The historic figure of Hirota Kichiemon (1628-1715), who inspired the Kichomu legends, lived in this area, and the town celebrates this cultural heritage with various attractions.

Kichomu Land, a large recreational park, features 2,000 cherry trees that create spectacular displays each spring, making it one of Oita's premier hanami (cherry blossom viewing) destinations. The park combines natural beauty with facilities for sports and family activities, offering a pleasant contrast to the historical solemnity of Kujuno-to.

Fugenji Temple houses the grave of the original Kichomu, allowing visitors to pay respects to this legendary figure. The temple's autumn foliage illuminations provide seasonal beauty, while its connection to local folklore adds cultural depth to the area.

Usuki: A City of Stone Art and History

Kujuno-to serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Usuki City's remarkable concentration of stone cultural properties. The city is perhaps best known for the Usuki Stone Buddhas, a National Treasure consisting of more than 60 stone Buddhist statues carved into cliff faces during the Heian and Kamakura periods. These magnificent cliff carvings, just a 30-minute drive from Kujuno-to, represent one of Japan's finest examples of stone Buddhist art.

The historic castle town of Usuki offers additional attractions for culturally curious travelers. Usuki Castle ruins, built by the Christian daimyo Otomo Sorin in 1562, overlook the city from a hilltop park famous for its cherry blossoms. The Nioza Historical District preserves samurai-era streetscapes with traditional merchant houses and temples, offering atmospheric walks through well-preserved Edo-period architecture.

Inabake Lower Residence, a Meiji-period mansion built for the return visits of the former feudal lords, showcases the elegant lifestyle of Japan's aristocratic class during the modernization era. The building's architecture represents the transition between traditional Japanese design and Western influences.

Practical Visitor Information

International visitors should note that Kujuno-to is located in a rural area where English signage is limited. However, this authenticity is part of its appeal—you're visiting a genuine cultural property in its original context, not a commercialized tourist attraction.

The site is always accessible and free to visit, though it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best viewing conditions and photography opportunities. The surrounding area has minimal facilities, so visitors should plan accordingly. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather conditions, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies ideal for photography.

For photography enthusiasts, Kujuno-to presents excellent opportunities, particularly in the softer light of morning or late afternoon. The weathered stone surfaces and rural setting create atmospheric images that capture the timeless quality of Japan's cultural heritage.