Nagoya's Oldest Building
The Kannonji Temple Tahoto Pagoda (観音寺多宝塔, Kannonji tahoto) is a two-storey tahoto pagoda rebuilt in 1536 at Kannonji, known as Arako Kannon, in Arako-cho, Nakagawa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; it was protected under earlier law on April 30, 1921, and became an Important Cultural Property under the current law. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a three-bay tahoto with a copper-sheet roof.
According to Nagoya City, it is the oldest building in the city. Its roof was returned to its earlier wooden-shingle covering in the 2001 conservation work, so it now differs from the copper roof in the Agency's record. Arako Kannon is said to have been founded in 729 and to have been rebuilt in 1576 by Maeda Toshiie, later lord of Kaga (Nagoya City).
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The pagoda was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1921. Nagoya City explains that its upper storey adopts the Zen style, and the temple describes the upper storey as Karayo (Zen style) and the lower as wayo, typical of Zen-influenced design at the end of the Muromachi period.
Its value lies in a late Muromachi tahoto using different styles in its two storeys and surviving as the oldest building in Nagoya. According to the temple, it underwent its first full dismantling repair in 2001, some 480 years after it was built.
What to Look For
Compare the two storeys: the lower in the Japanese wayo style and the upper in the Zen style, with differences visible in the bracketing and eaves (Arako Kannon). The restored wooden-shingle roof shows the soft line of thin layered boards.
Arako Kannon is also known for its more than 1,250 statues carved by the Edo-period monk Enku, and the pair of guardian kings beside the Nio gate are said to be the largest of all Enku's works (Nagoya tourism and Arako Kannon). The main gate, rebuilt in 1926, uses full three-stepped bracketing (Nagoya City).
Visiting
According to Arako Kannon, the gates are open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the office open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Enku statues can be viewed on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; bookings and enquiries are by telephone (052-361-1778).
The Kannonji Temple Tahoto Pagoda stands at 138 Miyamado, Arako-cho, Nakagawa Ward, Nagoya.
Q&A
- When was the Kannonji pagoda built?
- It was rebuilt in 1536 and is the oldest building in Nagoya.
- When was it designated an Important Cultural Property?
- It was protected under earlier law on April 30, 1921, and became an Important Cultural Property under the current law.
- What is distinctive about its style?
- The upper storey is in the Zen style and the lower in the Japanese wayo style, typical of late Muromachi design.
- What is the roof made of?
- Wooden shingles, restored in the 2001 repairs; the Agency for Cultural Affairs' record lists a copper roof.
- Can I see the Enku statues at Arako Kannon?
- Yes, on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Basic Information
| Name | Kannonji Temple Tahoto Pagoda (観音寺多宝塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | 138 Miyamado, Arako-cho, Nakagawa Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture (Kannonji) |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1921/4/30 (Taisho 10) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Three-bay tahoto (copper roof in the Agency's record; wooden shingles restored in 2001) |
| Owner | Kannonji |
| Public Access | Viewable in the precinct (gates open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) |
References
- 観音寺多宝塔 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1191
- Kannonji Tahoto and Gate (Nagoya City)
- https://www.city.nagoya.jp/kankobunkakoryu/page/0000038216.html
- Cultural properties (Arako Kannon official site)
- https://arakokannon.jp/culture/
- Arako Kannon (Nagoya Concierge, Nagoya tourism)
- https://www.nagoya-info.jp/spot/detail/76/
Last verified: 2026.10.04