Koshoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda

Koshoji Five-Story Pagoda: A Late Edo Masterpiece in the Heart of Nagoya

Rising 26 meters above the tranquil grounds of Yagotosan Koshoji Temple, the five-story pagoda stands as the only surviving wooden pagoda in the entire Tokai region. Built in 1808 during the late Edo period, this elegant structure has been designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property of Japan since 1982. Nestled in a verdant hillside just minutes from central Nagoya, the pagoda offers visitors a rare chance to experience authentic Edo-period Buddhist architecture in an urban setting that still retains its natural beauty.

History of Koshoji Temple and the Five-Story Pagoda

Koshoji Temple was founded in 1688 by the monk Tenzui Ensho, who had received the sacred five-pronged vajra (gokosho) of Kobo Daishi at Mount Koya. In that same year, the second lord of the Owari Tokugawa clan, Tokugawa Mitsutomo, became a devoted patron of the temple and granted it the formal name "Yagotosan Henshoin Koshoritsuji." From that point forward, the temple flourished as the designated prayer temple of the Owari Tokugawa family and earned the affectionate nickname "Owari Koya," reflecting its deep ties to Mount Koya and the Shingon Buddhist tradition.

The five-story pagoda was completed in 1808 (Bunka 5) after a fundraising campaign initiated in 1805 by the temple's seventh abbot, Shinryu. He organized a special "ichimon-ko" — a cooperative donation system where ordinary people contributed small amounts — to raise the funds needed for construction. The pagoda was consecrated upon completion, enshrining sacred Buddhist images within its interior. Today, it stands as the oldest surviving five-story pagoda in Aichi Prefecture and the sole wooden pagoda remaining in the Tokai region.

Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property

The Koshoji Five-Story Pagoda was designated a nationally Important Cultural Property on February 16, 1982. Several architectural qualities contributed to this recognition.

Although the pagoda's slender tower body and relatively short sorin (finial) are characteristic of late Edo-period construction, the building preserves remarkably archaic features in its interior. The central heart pillar (shinbashira) stands directly on the foundation stone (shinso), and the ground floor is finished with a tamped-earth floor rather than a raised wooden platform — a construction method rarely seen in pagodas of this era. The assembled structural framework also retains techniques associated with much older building traditions.

The exterior design is restrained and refined, executed in a purely traditional Japanese (wayo) style with minimal ornamentation. The interplay between the alternating balustrade styles — bowed railings (hanekoran) on the second and fourth stories, and jewel-topped railings (giboshi koran) on the third and fifth — adds subtle visual rhythm to the tower's silhouette. As a whole, the pagoda is regarded as a rare and valuable example of late Edo-period pagoda architecture that successfully blends conservative tradition with period-specific characteristics.

Architectural Highlights and What to Look For

The pagoda measures approximately 3.94 meters across at its base (a "three-bay" design) and rises to a total height of about 26 meters. The roof is clad in traditional hon-kawara (main tile) roofing, and the graceful, sweeping eave lines are best appreciated from close range. Visitors will notice that the first story has no surrounding veranda — an unusual choice that gives the structure a grounded, solid appearance.

The central entrance doors feature sankarido (paneled doors) bearing the Tokugawa clan's triple hollyhock crest (mitsu-aoi), a reminder of the powerful feudal family's patronage. The side bays feature lattice windows (renjimado) that filter light into the interior.

Inside the ground floor, the heart pillar has been hollowed out to enshrine a statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana), the supreme cosmic Buddha of Shingon Buddhism. On four sides of the pillar, wooden altars hold seated images of the Four Buddhas of the Diamond Realm: Ashuku Nyorai to the east, Hosho Nyorai to the south, Amida Nyorai to the west, and Fukujoju Nyorai to the north. This mandala-like arrangement within the pagoda creates a powerful sacred space reflecting Shingon esoteric philosophy.

Seasonal Beauty and Temple Grounds

Koshoji Temple's grounds span two hills — Nishiyama (West Hill) and Higashiyama (East Hill) — offering a surprisingly expansive natural landscape within the city of Nagoya. The ancient temple layout follows a linear south-to-north axis on Nishiyama, with the main gate, middle gate, five-story pagoda, and main hall aligned in succession — a configuration reminiscent of early Buddhist temple plans from the Nara period.

The surrounding woodland is one of the few remaining green spaces in eastern Nagoya, creating a peaceful atmosphere where birdsong replaces city noise. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the pagoda in soft pink. Autumn brings spectacular foliage as maple trees turn vivid shades of red and gold, providing stunning contrasts against the pagoda's weathered timber. The pagoda is also illuminated at night during certain periods, creating a magical scene along the approach path.

Beyond Nishiyama, the Fumonin garden (Fumon-en) behind the main hall offers a Taisho-era traditional Japanese garden where visitors can enjoy matcha tea and seasonal wagashi sweets in the elegant Chikusui-tei teahouse — a beautifully restored early-modern wooden building. Reservations are recommended for this experience.

Experiences and Events at Koshoji

Koshoji Temple hosts regular events that bring the community together. On the 5th and 13th of each month, traditional ennichi (dedication day) markets line the temple approach with food stalls and craft vendors, drawing over 5,000 visitors on busy days. The 21st of each month features the popular "Koshoji Marche," a curated market showcasing local organic produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.

The temple's most spectacular annual event is the "Sento Kuyoe" (Thousand Lantern Memorial Service), a fire festival held in autumn that has become one of Nagoya's most beloved seasonal traditions. For those interested in deeper cultural experiences, the temple offers tea ceremony (chanoyu) and sutra copying (shakyo) sessions by prior reservation.

Koshoji also operates a quiet library salon called "Kegu" in the Fushoden Hall, designed as a digital detox space where visitors can read, reflect, and converse with monks — a rare contemplative experience in the heart of a major city.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

The Yagoto neighborhood is a vibrant area centered around several major university campuses, including Chukyo University, Nanzan University, and Meijo University. This gives the district a youthful energy with many cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby. The area along Route 153 near the temple offers diverse dining options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare.

Within easy reach by subway, visitors can also explore Nagoya Castle, the Atsuta Shrine, and the lively Osu shopping district. The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens are just a few stations away on the same subway line. For those interested in more cultural properties, the nearby Togan-ji Temple features a striking red Great Buddha statue, and the Yamazaki River area to the south is famous for cherry blossom viewing in spring.