stupa-shaped stone distance markers along temple approaches
Historical term for stone markers placed at intervals of one chō (about 109 meters) along the approach to a temple, shaped like a stupa (卒塔婆). Rare in modern everyday language; encountered mainly in historical or architectural contexts.
Along the approach to Mount Kōya, there are rows of stupa-shaped stone distance markers.
Compound of 町石 (chōseki, 'stone distance marker placed at intervals of one chō') and 卒塔婆 (sotoba, 'stupa'). The term describes the shape and function of these historical markers.