Sakamoto Townscape – A Temple Town of Stone Walls and Sato-bo Monks’ Residences

【Highlights】
・A historic temple townscape of sato-bo monks’ residences and stone walls lining the approach to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine.
・Anoshu-zumi stone walls, skillfully built by combining large and small natural stones.
・A harmonious landscape of stone walls and greenery within an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

【History and Culture】
Sakamoto prospered as a temple town serving Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Many sato-bo, or retirement residences for monks who had trained on Mount Hiei, were built here, giving the town its distinctive character.

Today, the entire area is designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Walking through Sakamoto, visitors can experience a historic streetscape shaped by temples, monks’ residences, greenery, and stone walls.

The stone walls known as Anoshu-zumi are one of the defining features of the town. The Anoshu were a group of skilled stonemasons from Ano Village, located next to Sakamoto. Their technique involved carefully combining and stacking large and small unhewn natural stones.

Many Anoshu-zumi stone walls still remain around the sato-bo and along the streets. Admired for both their beauty and strength, these walls are said to have influenced castle fortifications across Japan during the Sengoku period.

As visitors walk through this temple town, they can trace the stonemasonry techniques that spread from Sakamoto to castle construction throughout the country.

【Related Works】
Saiou no Tate, or The Shield of the Fortress King, by Shogo Imamura won the 166th Naoki Prize in 2022. Set at Otsu Castle in Omi Province, the novel depicts a dramatic confrontation between the “stone walls” of the Anoshu and the “firearms” of the Kunitomo-shu.

【Also Visit】
Nearby sites include Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Saikyo-ji Temple, both known for their beautiful autumn foliage. A stroll through Sakamoto’s historic townscape can be enjoyed together with visits to these temples and shrines.