A Momoyama Pagoda
The Yusanji Temple Three-Story Pagoda (油山寺三重塔) is a Momoyama three-storey pagoda begun in 1574 with the help of the lord of Kuno Castle and completed in 1611 of 1611 in Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on September 17, 1954 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a copper roof; designation number 01298.
A Pagoda Thirty-Seven Years in the Making
The three-storey pagoda of Yusanji in Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka, was completed in 1611 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It is three bays square and three storeys high, with copper roofs.
According to Shizuoka Cultural Properties Navi, work began in 1574 with the support of Kuno Munenari, lord of Kuno Castle, stopped at the second storey, and was finished in 1611. It is 18.25 metres high, or 23.88 metres with the finial; the lower two storeys are in the Japanese style and the top storey in the Chinese style with fanned rafters. It was painted vermilion in 1853, re-roofed in copper in 1920 and fully dismantled and repaired in 1967.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
Shizuoka Cultural Properties Navi counts the pagoda among the finest of the Momoyama period, bold in its timbers and well balanced; the Agency record has no commentary.
What to Look For
At the pagoda, compare the Japanese-style lower storeys with the fanned rafters of the Chinese-style top, all in vermilion (Shizuoka Navi).
Visiting
The pagoda is owned by Yusanji (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to Shizuoka Cultural Properties Navi, only the exterior can be seen, and there is parking.
Q&A
- When was it finished?
- In 1611 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How tall is it?
- 23.88 metres with the finial.
- Who supported it?
- Kuno Munenari of Kuno Castle.
- Can I go inside?
- No, exterior only.
- When was the Yusanji Temple Three-Story Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On September 17, 1954 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Yusanji Temple Three-Story Pagoda (油山寺三重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1954/09/17 (Showa 29) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Three-bay, three-storey pagoda, copper roof |
| Owner | Yusanji Temple |
| Public Access | Exterior only (Shizuoka Cultural Properties Navi) |
References
- Yusanji Temple Three-Story Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/1156
- Yusanji Three-Story Pagoda (Shizuoka Cultural Properties Navi, Shizuoka Prefecture, in Japanese)
- https://www.pref.shizuoka.jp/kankosports/bunkageijutsu/bunkazai/1002825/1041003/1041889/1004977/1021202.html
Last verified: 2026.11.12
