A seven-sided stone fence around the sacred tree
The Yahiko Shrine Sacred Tree Stone Fence (彌彦神社神木石柵, Iyahiko Jinja Shinboku Ishidana) in Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Niigata Prefecture, is the stone fence that surrounds the sacred tree of Yahiko Shrine, built in 1916 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 1998/09/02 (number 15-0025).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a stone structure 32.8 metres in total length. The sacred tree stands on slightly higher ground to the right before the Second Torii Gate, just in front of the site of the old main hall, and the fence encloses it in an irregular seven-sided plan. It rises 1.2 metres from a base of piled natural stones.
Stone doors and the legend of the tree
At the front, an opening 1.5 metres wide at the top of 7 steps is closed by 2 stone doors. Even the doors are stone, yet they keep the form of a gate that opens, as a timber fence would.
Shrine tradition says that when the deity chose this place, he planted his staff of chinquapin wood in the ground and declared that it would take root and sprout if the land were right; the staff grew into a great tree, fixing the shrine's site. The shrine adds that the tomb of the deity of the Otoko shrine lies beside the tree.
Seeing it
The Yahiko Shrine Sacred Tree Stone Fence is on the rise to the right before the Second Torii Gate and can be seen at any time, from outside the fence.
Go round to the front to see the 2 closed stone doors at the top of the 7 steps. The sides of the heptagon are uneven, likely to follow the tree and the ground; walking along the fence, you can feel the angles change.
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Q&A
- Where is the Yahiko Shrine Sacred Tree Stone Fence?
- Around the sacred tree, on the rise to the right before the Second Torii Gate.
- What shape is the stone fence?
- An irregular heptagon, 32.8 metres in total length and 1.2 metres high.
- What is at the front of the Yahiko Shrine Sacred Tree Stone Fence?
- A 1.5-metre opening at the top of 7 steps, closed by 2 stone doors.
- What is the legend of the sacred tree at Yahiko Shrine?
- The shrine says the deity's staff took root and grew into a great tree, fixing the shrine's site.
- When was it registered?
- On 1998/09/02, as number 15-0025.
Basic Information
| Name | Yahiko Shrine Sacred Tree Stone Fence (彌彦神社神木石柵) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2898 Yahiko, Yahiko Village, Nishikanbara District, Niigata Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 15-0025 |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/09/02 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone; 32.8 metres in total length, 1.2 metres high; irregular heptagon; front opening 1.5 metres wide with 2 stone doors |
| Owner | Yahiko Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Visible at any time (no entry inside the fence) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Yahiko Shrine Sacred Tree Stone Fence
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000680
- Yahiko Shrine official site — Sacred tree (Japanese)
- https://www.yahiko-jinjya.or.jp/meguru/goshinboku/index.html
- Yahiko Shrine official site — Subsidiary shrines (Japanese)
- https://www.yahiko-jinjya.or.jp/meguru/setumatusya/index.html
Last verified: 2026.10.01
