An image of Jizo is carved on six faces each of the stone lantern;
Photo credit: Courtesy of Taito City Board of Education

Full view of Rokujizo Ishi-doro;
Photo credit: Courtesy of Taito City Board of Education

The stone lantern standing at the front of Yogo-do Hall in Senso-ji Temple is about 180 cm in height and carved an image of Jizo on each face of hexagonal Hibukuro (burning place of lantern). Unfortunately, these images and inscribed letters are illegible at present, caused by weathering and damage by fires.

It is unknown when this stone lantern was made. According to one theory, it is said that "KAMATA Hyoenojo Masakiyo" built it when he visited Senso-ji Temple with his leader MINAMOTO no Yoshitomo during the Kyuan era (1145-51). However, according to another, it is said to be built during the Oan era (1368-75). In any case, this is estimated to be one of the oldest stone lantern in existence in Tokyo.

Originally, it was located at the foot of Azuma-bashi Bridge east of Kaminari-mon Gate; therefore, the bank of Sumida-gawa River around there was said to be called "Roku-jizo Kagan". It had been buried from the base to the lower half of the pole stone, until it was moved to the present place in 1890 in replanning of streets. This stone lantern is protected in the small hall with roof now.