The Oldest Dated Buddha's Footprint in Japan
The Buddha's Footprint Stone (仏足石) is a Nara-period Buddha's footprint stone held by Yakushiji in Nishinokyo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one stone, first designated under the old system in 1897.
The Nara National Museum image database dates it to 753.
The Stone
According to the Nara National Museum image database, it is carved stone, 69.0 centimetres high at the front, 74.5 centimetres deep and 108.0 centimetres wide.
The Buddha's footprints are incised on the top and inscriptions cut on all four sides; an incised figure of Shukongojin, a guardian deity, also appears on a side.
What to Look For
A footprint stone carves the Buddha's footprints in stone as an object of worship. Dated 753, the Yakushiji stone records Buddhist devotion in the Nara period.
Look for the footprints on the top and the inscriptions and incised figures on all four sides.
Visiting the Buddha's Footprint Stone
The stone is at Yakushiji; check the temple for visiting hours and viewing.
Q&A
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On 22 November 1952.
- How old is it?
- It is dated 753.
- How big is it?
- 69.0 cm high, 74.5 cm deep and 108.0 cm wide.
- What is carved on it?
- Footprints on the top, inscriptions on the sides and a guardian figure.
- Where is it?
- At Yakushiji in Nara.
Basic Information
| Name | Buddha's Footprint Stone (仏足石) |
|---|---|
| Location | Yakushiji, Nishinokyo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (archaeological materials) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1952/11/22 (Showa 27); earlier designation 1897/12/28 |
| Quantity | 1 stone |
| Dimensions | 69.0 cm high, 74.5 cm deep, 108.0 cm wide (Nara National Museum) |
| Owner | Yakushiji |
| Public Access | Check visiting with Yakushiji |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Buddha's Footprint Stone (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/838
- Cultural Heritage Online: Buddha's Footprint Stone (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/150421
- Nara National Museum Image Database: Buddha's Footprint Stone (Japanese)
- https://imagedb.narahaku.go.jp/007195-000-000.html
Last verified: 2026.09.29