Sekininji Seven-Story Stone Pagoda: A Kamakura-Era Treasure in the Heart of Shiga
Tucked away in the quiet farming village of Shimo-Asō in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, the seven-story stone pagoda at Sekininji Temple stands as a remarkable monument from the late Kamakura period. Designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property, this 2.1-meter-tall stone tower was erected in 1318 and carries a deep connection to one of Japan's most celebrated poets — Yamabe no Akahito. For travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters far from the tourist crowds, Sekininji offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of medieval Buddhist art, Japanese poetic tradition, and the enduring spirit of rural Shiga.
What Is the Sekininji Seven-Story Stone Pagoda?
The seven-story stone pagoda (石造七重塔, sekizō shichijū-no-tō) at Sekininji Temple is a layered stone tower constructed in the second year of the Bunpō era (文保2年, 1318). Unlike the monumental wooden pagodas found at major temples across Japan, this is a miniature stone pagoda — a form that was commonly built during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) as memorial or devotional structures within temple precincts.
The pagoda is composed of a foundation stone (基礎), a main body (塔身), and seven tiers of eave stones (笠石). The original finial (相輪) has been lost and replaced with a later addition. An inscription carved into the stone reads "文保弐年戊午歳九月日" — confirming its construction date as September 1318. This dated inscription is a critical feature, as it allows scholars to place the pagoda precisely within the chronology of medieval Japanese stone craft.
Why Was It Designated as an Important Cultural Property?
The Sekininji seven-story stone pagoda was designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property (重要文化財) by the Japanese government on February 9, 1960. Several factors contributed to this recognition.
First, the pagoda is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a stone seven-story tower from the late Kamakura period. All of its component parts — from base to roofline — remain intact and well-proportioned, displaying the refined stone-carving techniques of medieval Japanese artisans. Second, the clearly legible dated inscription makes it an invaluable reference point for the study of medieval stone monuments. Dated stone pagodas from this era are relatively rare, and those with all major elements intact are rarer still. Third, the pagoda serves as important evidence of the religious and cultural landscape of the Ōmi region during the Kamakura period, when this area was part of the Asō Estate (麻生荘), a manor belonging to the Kazanin aristocratic house in Kyoto.
The Legend of Yamabe no Akahito
Sekininji Temple is inextricably linked with Yamabe no Akahito (山部赤人), one of the greatest poets of the Nara period (710–784) and a member of the prestigious Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry. Akahito is best known for his nature poems in the Man'yōshū, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, including the celebrated verse about Mount Fuji from Tago Bay — a poem later adapted in the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each).
According to temple tradition, Akahito traveled from Tago Bay bearing a small figure of Nyoirin Kannon (如意輪観音), guided by a divine dream. When he stopped to rest in this area and hung his court cap on a cherry tree branch, the cap would not come free — which he interpreted as a sign that he should settle here permanently. He established a temple to enshrine his beloved Kannon and is said to have spent his final years in this peaceful rural setting. The adjacent Yamabe Shrine (山部神社) is considered to be his memorial site.
While modern historians note that historical documentation of Akahito's life is extremely limited and the temple's connection to him likely solidified during the Edo period, the tradition has created a unique cultural site where Japan's poetic heritage and Buddhist devotion merge in a deeply atmospheric setting.
Highlights and What to See
The seven-story stone pagoda is the undeniable centerpiece of any visit to Sekininji. Standing quietly among the trees, the tower's graceful proportions and weathered surface speak to over seven centuries of history. Visitors can observe the pagoda at close range and appreciate the precision of its layered construction — each eave slightly smaller than the one below, creating a harmonious tapering profile characteristic of Kamakura-period stone craft.
Within the temple grounds, look for the "Akahito Cherry" (赤人桜), also known as the "Crown-Hanging Cherry" (冠かけの桜) — the tree associated with the legend of Akahito's cap. In spring, this tree blossoms beautifully, adding a layer of seasonal poetry to the site.
The adjacent Yamabe Shrine features stone monuments inscribed with Akahito's famous poems, inviting visitors to reflect on the words of a poet who found profound beauty in the natural world. The shrine and temple are built side by side in an arrangement reminiscent of the syncretic Shinto-Buddhist tradition that characterized much of pre-modern Japanese religious life.
The surrounding village of Shimo-Asō retains a traditional rural atmosphere, with rice paddies stretching toward the hills and a scattering of other medieval stone monuments in the area — testament to the region's rich heritage as a center of stone carving in the Kamakura and Muromachi periods.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
Higashiomi City and the broader eastern Shiga region offer a wealth of cultural experiences for visitors who venture beyond the pagoda.
- Ishitōji Temple (石塔寺): Located in the Gamō district of Higashiomi, this temple is famous for its remarkable collection of stone monuments spanning from the Heian period to the modern era, including a Heian-period three-story stone pagoda known as the Ashoka Pagoda (阿育王塔). Stone culture enthusiasts will find this an essential companion visit.
- Gokashō Merchant District (五個荘近江商人屋敷): The preserved homes of Ōmi merchants offer a fascinating window into the business culture that made this region famous. Several residences are open to the public as museums.
- Eigenji Temple (永源寺): A Rinzai Zen temple renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage, located northeast of the city center along the Eigenji River gorge.
- Lake Biwa (琵琶湖): Japan's largest freshwater lake lies to the west and offers lakeside cycling, waterfront dining, and scenic cruises.
Access and Practical Information
Sekininji Temple is located in a rural area of Higashiomi City. Access by public transportation requires a combination of train and bus.
From JR Ōmi-Hachiman Station or Ōmi Railway Yokaichi Station, take a local bus toward the Gamō area and alight at the Asōguchi (麻生口) bus stop. The temple is approximately 500 meters west of the bus stop, a pleasant walk through the village. If traveling by car, the temple has a small parking area for approximately 10 vehicles. From the Meishin Expressway, take the Yokaichi Interchange and drive approximately 15 minutes south.
There are no admission fees, and the site is believed to be freely accessible at all times, though as a small community temple, visitor facilities are limited. The surrounding area has few restaurants or shops, so visitors may wish to plan meals in Yokaichi or Ōmi-Hachiman before or after their visit.
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Q＆A
- What exactly is the seven-story stone pagoda at Sekininji?
- It is a 2.1-meter-tall stone tower (石造七重塔) built in 1318 during the late Kamakura period. Composed of a base, body, and seven layered eave stones, it is designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is traditionally regarded as a memorial pagoda for the Man'yōshū poet Yamabe no Akahito.
- Is there an admission fee to visit Sekininji Temple?
- No. Sekininji is a small community temple, and there is no admission fee. The stone pagoda can be viewed freely within the temple grounds. However, the interior of the temple hall may not always be open to the public.
- Who was Yamabe no Akahito?
- Yamabe no Akahito was a Nara-period court poet active in the early 8th century. He is one of Japan's most revered poets, counted among the Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry and celebrated in both the Man'yōshū and the Hyakunin Isshu. He is especially known for his elegant nature poetry, including his famous verse about Mount Fuji seen from Tago Bay.
- How do I get to Sekininji Temple by public transportation?
- From Ōmi Railway Yokaichi Station, take a local bus toward the Gamō area and get off at the Asōguchi bus stop (麻生口). The temple is about a 500-meter walk from the bus stop. Note that bus services in this rural area may be infrequent, so checking schedules in advance is strongly recommended. Traveling by car is the most convenient option.
- When is the best time to visit?
- The temple can be visited year-round. Spring is especially atmospheric when the "Akahito Cherry" blooms in the temple grounds. Autumn also offers a beautiful setting as the surrounding foliage changes color. The quiet rural location is pleasant in any season, though summer can be hot and humid.
Basic Information
| Name | Sekininji Seven-Story Stone Pagoda (赤人寺七重塔) |
|---|---|
| Reading | Shaku-nin-ji Shichijū-no-tō |
| Cultural Property Designation | Important Cultural Property (Building), designated February 9, 1960 |
| Period | Late Kamakura period — Bunpō 2 (1318) |
| Type | Stone seven-story pagoda (石造七重塔) |
| Height | Approximately 2.1 meters (base to top of seventh eave) |
| Temple Name | Sekininji (赤人寺) / also read as Akahitodera |
| Mountain Name | Yōrō-zan (養老山) |
| Sect | Tendai (天台宗) |
| Principal Image | Nyoirin Kannon (如意輪観音) |
| Address | Shimo-Asō-chō 212, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture 529-1531 |
| Owner | Sekininji Temple (赤人寺) |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Available (approximately 10 vehicles) |
| Access | Approximately 500m walk from Asōguchi bus stop; about 15 minutes by car from Meishin Expressway Yokaichi IC |
References
- 国指定文化財等データベース — 赤人寺七重塔
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/1728
- 山部神社・赤人寺（しゃくにんじ） — 東近江市観光サイト
- https://www.higashiomi.net/media/miru/yamabeshakuninji
- 滋賀県東近江市 山部神社,赤人寺 — japan-geographic.tv
- https://japan-geographic.tv/shiga/higashiomi-yamabejinja.html
- 山部赤人 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B1%B1%E9%83%A8%E8%B5%A4%E4%BA%BA
- 山部神社 滋賀県東近江市下麻生町 — 神社と古事記
- https://www.buccyake-kojiki.com/archives/1043751735.html
- 赤人寺 — いこーよ
- https://iko-yo.net/facilities/34471
- 滋賀県 国宝・国指定重要文化財（建造物） — 文化遺産見学案内所
- https://bunkaisan.exblog.jp/29629269/
- 赤人寺（滋賀県東近江市）万葉歌人山部赤人ゆかりの寺 — お寺の風景と陶芸
- https://tempsera.at.webry.info/200903/article_14.html
Last verified: 2026.03.25