Japan HeritageJinto-seki (Head Stone) of Koeiji Temple
This stone stands in the front garden of Koeiji. Some say it was made as a banquet decoration. Others say it depicts an overseas dignitary who visited Empress Saimei’s palace. The large nose and ears and the protruding chin give this granite stone figure a unique charm. It is believed to be part of the same series of stone works as the four Saru-ishi stones at Princess Kibihime’s mausoleum. Empress Saimei ordered the construction of numerous stone works in Asuka. The purpose of many of them remains unclear, but it’s fun to speculate about what the ancient people of Asuka were up to.
Information
- Address
- Kangakuji, Takatori-cho (Inquiries: Takatori Town Tourism Association)
- Access
- 5 min. walk from Kintetsu Tsubosakayama Station