A Dated Kamakura Stone Pagoda
The Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda (赤人寺七重塔) is a seven-tiered stone pagoda in the grounds of Shakuninji at Shimoaso-cho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, dated by its inscription to 1318 in the late Kamakura period, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on February 9, 1960 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a stone seven-storied pagoda inscribed with a date in the ninth month of 1318, owned by the temple. The Agency reads the temple name as Sekininji, while the Higashiomi tourism association gives Shakuninji.
A Place Linked to Yamabe no Akahito
According to the Higashiomi City Tourism Association, the area is said to be where the Man'yoshu poet Yamabe no Akahito ended his days. The "Akahito cherry" in the grounds recalls a legend that he hung his cap on a branch, could not take it off again, and so settled here.
The Biwako Visitors Bureau notes that Yamabe Shrine stands next to the temple, with a stone monument inscribed with one of Akahito's poems.
Value as an Important Cultural Property
The Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1960. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as a stone seven-storied pagoda whose inscription dates it to 1318. The date carved into the pagoda itself is its most notable feature.
What to Look For
The Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda is a pagoda of seven stacked stone roofs; look for the inscription giving the ninth month of 1318 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It stands in quiet grounds steeped in the poet's legend and can be seen together with the poem monument at neighbouring Yamabe Shrine (Biwako Visitors Bureau).
Visiting
Shakuninji, home of the Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda, is at 214 Shimoaso-cho, Higashiomi City (Higashiomi City Tourism Association). The Biwako Visitors Bureau advises taking a Hino-bound bus from JR Omi-Hachiman Station for about 20 minutes to Asoguchi, then walking 10 minutes; by car it is about 30 minutes from the Yokaichi interchange of the Meishin Expressway, with parking for 10 cars at the neighbouring community hall.
Enquiries go to the Higashiomi City Tourism Association (0748-29-3920).
Q&A
- When was the pagoda made?
- In the ninth month of 1318, according to its inscription (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What kind of pagoda is it?
- A seven-storied pagoda built of stone (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the temple linked to Akahito?
- It is said to be where the poet Yamabe no Akahito ended his days (Higashiomi City Tourism Association).
- Is there anything else nearby?
- Neighbouring Yamabe Shrine has a monument carved with one of Akahito's poems (Biwako Visitors Bureau).
- When was the Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda designated?
- On February 9, 1960.
Basic Information
| Name | Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda (赤人寺七重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | 214 Shimoaso-cho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1960/02/09 (Showa 35) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone seven-storied pagoda (inscribed with a date of 1318) |
| Owner | Shakuninji |
| Public Access | Viewable in the temple grounds; parking available |
References
- Shakuninji Seven-Storied Stone Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1486
- Yamabe Shrine and Shakuninji (Higashiomi City Tourism Association)
- https://www.higashiomi.net/media/miru/yamabeshakuninji
- Yamabe Shrine and Shakuninji (Biwako Visitors Bureau)
- https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/1676/
Last verified: 2026.10.11