Yamanoue Stele

The Yamanoue stele measures 1.11 meters in height and features 53 kanji characters arranged in four vertical rows on natural andesite stone.

Created in November 681, this memorial stone contains inscriptions commissioned by Buddhist monk Nagatoshi-no-hoshi from Hōkō-ji temple for his deceased mother Kurome-no-toji.

The monument represents the earliest known example of text written in Chinese characters following Japanese grammatical structures, marking a significant development in Japanese writing.

Visitors can reach the site via Yamana station or use the free minibus service that connects the Three Stelae of Kōzuke between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Among only eighteen surviving ancient stelae in Japan, this stone stands adjacent to a sixth-century burial mound where the commissioner's mother was interred.

Location: Takasaki

Inception: November 18, 0681

Made from material: andesite

Part of: Three Stelae of Kōzuke

GPS coordinates: 36.27715,139.02774

Latest update: March 4, 2025 22:54