Kofukuji Hokyointo: A Kamakura-Period Masterpiece in Stone
Standing within the tranquil grounds of Kofukuji Temple in Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture, the Kofukuji Hokyointo (宝篋印塔) is a remarkable stone memorial pagoda that has endured for over seven centuries. Designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property of Japan, this elegant 2.1-meter tower was erected in 1323 during the late Kamakura period and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of medieval stone craftsmanship in the Kanto region.
For visitors seeking authentic encounters with Japan's medieval Buddhist heritage beyond the well-trodden paths of Kyoto and Nara, this quiet temple in rural Saitama offers a uniquely intimate experience with a masterwork of sacred stone artistry.
What Is a Hokyointo?
A hokyointo (宝篋印塔) is a type of stone memorial pagoda used as a grave marker or memorial tower in Japanese Buddhism. The name derives from the Hokyoin Dharani sutra, and these structures trace their origins to the 84,000 miniature pagodas said to have been distributed across Asia by King Qian Hongchu of the Wuyue Kingdom in 10th-century China, who in turn was emulating the legendary 84,000 stupas of the Indian Emperor Ashoka.
In Japan, stone hokyointo began to be produced in the early Kamakura period (around the 13th century) and became widespread from the mid-Kamakura period onward. Alongside five-ring towers (gorinto), hokyointo are among the most important categories of Japanese medieval stone art. From the late Kamakura period, regional variations emerged, with distinct "Kansai-style" and "Kanto-style" forms developing their own characteristic features.
Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property
The Kofukuji Hokyointo was designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property (Tangible Cultural Property — Structure) on August 28, 1953. Several factors contribute to its exceptional significance:
- Outstanding proportional beauty: The tower is celebrated for its remarkably well-balanced and harmonious proportions, making it one of the most aesthetically refined hokyointo surviving from the Kamakura period.
- Unique blend of regional styles: While the cap (kasa) and body (toshin) display characteristics of the Kanto style, the absence of a base platform (kidan) and the form of the foundation (kiso) reflect Kansai-style features. This rare combination of eastern and western traditions in a single monument provides invaluable insight into the cultural exchanges of the era.
- Clear historical inscription: The reverse side of the foundation bears an inscription stating that the tower was erected in the third year of Genko (1323) for the memorial services of Fujiwara Mitsusada and the Buddhist nun Myomei. This precise dating makes the pagoda an important chronological reference point for the study of medieval Japanese stone art.
- Archaeological significance: During restoration work in 1977, relics were discovered within and beneath the pagoda, including a silver and crystal reliquary, a Chinese white porcelain four-eared jar used as a bone container, human remains, and crystal prayer beads. These artifacts demonstrate the sophistication of Buddhist practices in the eastern provinces during the late Kamakura period.
Highlights and What to See
The hokyointo is preserved in a dedicated storage building (shuzouko) on the temple grounds, protecting it from weathering while allowing visitors to view it up close. Standing at approximately 2.1 meters tall, the pagoda is crafted from andesite and commands an impressive presence despite its centuries of age.
Visitors should pay particular attention to the front face of the tower body, where the characters "宝篋印塔" (Hokyointo) are inscribed. The inscription on the reverse side of the foundation contains the historical details of its construction, offering a direct connection to the people who commissioned this monument in the 14th century.
Within the same storage building, you can also see the Kofukuji Itaishi Toba (板石塔婆), a stone slab stupa designated as a Saitama Prefectural Important Cultural Property. This slab, dated to 1306 (Kagen 4), features exquisite line-engraved images of the Amida Trinity arriving to welcome the deceased, a striking example of Kamakura-period Buddhist sculptural art on stone.
The temple grounds themselves are worth exploring. Kofukuji is a Soto Zen temple with the mountain name Shikokuzan (四国山). As you enter through the gate, you will notice a venerable kaya (Japanese torreya) tree and a towering ginkgo, along with rows of stone Jizo statues that create a contemplative atmosphere. The temple traces its origins to at least the Kamakura period, and records show it received an official stipend of eight koku of land from the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1649.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
Higashimatsuyama City and the surrounding Hiki region of Saitama Prefecture are rich in historical and natural attractions that can be combined with a visit to Kofukuji Temple:
- Yoshimi Hyakuana (Yoshimi Hundred Caves): An extraordinary cluster of 219 ancient tunnel tombs from the Kofun period (6th–7th century), located about 20 minutes from Higashimatsuyama Station by bus. A nationally designated historic site with a haunting, otherworldly appearance.
- Saitama Children's Zoo and Nature Park: One of the largest zoos in Saitama, home to over 150 species including the only quokkas in Japan. Located near Takasaka Station, one stop from Higashimatsuyama.
- Iwadono Kannon Shobo-ji Temple: A historic Shingon temple nestled against a hillside, famous for its ancient stone steps and autumn foliage. The temple is connected to the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage circuit.
- Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park (Shinrin Park): A vast national park spanning over 300 hectares with seasonal flower fields, cycling trails, and forest walks. Especially popular for poppies in spring and autumn leaves in November.
- Yakyu Inari Shrine: One of the oldest Inari shrines in the Musashi region, dating back to 712 CE. Famous for its peony garden with approximately 1,300 plants blooming in late April to early May.
The city is also famous for its distinctive style of yakitori (grilled meat skewers using pork instead of chicken), which is a must-try local specialty.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Saitama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kofukuji Hokyoin Pagoda
- [ Kawagoe Little Edo & Moominvalley Park ]
Q＆A
- Is there an admission fee to see the Kofukuji Hokyointo?
- No. The temple grounds and the storage building housing the hokyointo can be visited free of charge. The pagoda is kept in an open storage structure on the grounds, accessible during daylight hours.
- How do I get to Kofukuji Temple from Tokyo?
- Take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Higashimatsuyama Station (approximately 60 minutes by express). From the east exit of Higashimatsuyama Station, take the Kokusai Juo Bus bound for Kumagaya Station and alight at "Higashimatsuyama Byoin-mae" (about 15 minutes). The temple is approximately a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. By car, take the Kanetsu Expressway to the Higashimatsuyama IC and drive north via Route 407.
- Are there English explanations or guides available on site?
- The on-site explanation panels are currently in Japanese only. It is recommended to research the site before your visit or bring a translation app. The Higashimatsuyama Buried Cultural Properties Center (Tel: 0493-27-0333) oversees the site and may be able to provide additional information.
- What is the best season to visit?
- The hokyointo can be viewed year-round. However, spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are especially pleasant for visiting the surrounding area, with cherry blossoms, peonies at nearby Yakyu Inari Shrine in spring, and autumn foliage at Iwadono Kannon. The temple grounds with their ancient trees are particularly beautiful in autumn.
- Who were Fujiwara Mitsusada and the Buddhist nun Myomei?
- These are the two individuals for whom the memorial pagoda was erected in 1323. Despite the detailed inscription, their identities remain a historical mystery. Their names suggest connections to the Fujiwara clan and local Buddhist communities of the Hiki region, but no further records have been discovered. This enigma adds to the historical intrigue of the monument.
Basic Information
| Name | Kofukuji Hokyointo (光福寺宝篋印塔) |
|---|---|
| Designation | National Important Cultural Property (Tangible Cultural Property — Structure), designated August 28, 1953 |
| Date of Construction | Genko 3 (1323), late Kamakura period |
| Material | Andesite (安山岩) |
| Height | Approximately 2.1 meters |
| Style | Blend of Kanto-style and Kansai-style hokyointo features |
| Temple | Shikokuzan Kofukuji (四国山光福寺), Soto Zen sect |
| Address | 498 Oka, Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture 355-0072 |
| Access | Tobu Tojo Line Higashimatsuyama Station (East Exit) → Kokusai Juo Bus toward Kumagaya Station → "Higashimatsuyama Byoin-mae" stop → 3-minute walk |
| Admission | Free |
| Contact | Higashimatsuyama Buried Cultural Properties Center: 0493-27-0333 |
References
- 光福寺宝篋印塔 — 東松山市公式ホームページ
- https://www.city.higashimatsuyama.lg.jp/soshiki/55/3704.html
- 光福寺宝篋印塔出土品 — 東松山市ホームページ
- http://www.city.higashimatsuyama.lg.jp/kurashi/bunka_sports/bunka/bunkazai/shitei_bunkazai/1350459372629.html
- 光福寺（こうふくじ）の宝篋印塔（ほうきょういんとう） — 東松山市観光協会
- https://higashimatsuyama-kanko.com/sightseeing/see/historical/%E5%85%89%E7%A6%8F%E5%AF%BA%E3%81%AE%E5%AE%9D%E7%AF%8B%E5%8D%B0%E5%A1%94/
- 光福寺。東松山市岡にある曹洞宗寺院 — 猫の足あと
- https://tesshow.jp/saitama/ematsuyama/temple_oka_kofk.html
- 宝篋印塔 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%AE%9D%E7%AF%8B%E5%8D%B0%E5%A1%94
- 板石塔婆（光福寺） — 東松山市公式ホームページ
- https://www.city.higashimatsuyama.lg.jp/soshiki/55/3741.html
Last verified: 2026.03.26