A Bell Tower with a Diamond-Framed Ceiling
The Nyoiji Temple Bell Tower (如意寺鐘楼) is the bell tower of a temple of about 1755 in Chikaraishicho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on March 29, 2013 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a timber structure with a tiled roof, covering 8.8 square metres; registration number 23-0363.
A Bell Tower on a Stone Base
The Nyoiji Temple Bell Tower stands on a stone base towards the south of the precinct, with a hip-and-gable pantiled roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Its square posts lean slightly inwards from their stone footings and are tied by three levels of tie beams, with a plate running round the top.
It has simple bracket sets with frog-leg struts between them, gables with a tie beam and vase-shaped strut, and eaves of two tiers of closely spaced rafters (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered the bell tower, towards the south of the precinct, for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
The ceiling is the thing to see (Agency for Cultural Affairs): brackets from the middle of each side carry a flat panel ceiling in a diamond-shaped frame, surrounded by coffering. Note also the inward lean of the posts.
Visiting
The bell tower stands towards the south of the precinct (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on ringing the bell or other use was found.
Q&A
- When was the Nyoiji Temple Bell Tower built?
- In about 1755 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for?
- The diamond-framed panel ceiling ringed with coffering, and the inward-leaning posts.
- Where is the bell tower?
- Towards the south of the precinct, on a stone base.
- What is the roof like?
- A hip-and-gable roof of pantiles.
- When was the Nyoiji Temple Bell Tower registered?
- On March 29, 2013 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Nyoiji Temple Bell Tower (如意寺鐘楼) |
|---|---|
| Location | 175 Chikaraishicho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2013/03/29 (Heisei 25) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof, 8.8 m² |
| Owner | Nyoiji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | No official information on use |
References
- Nyoiji Temple Bell Tower (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00009465
Last verified: 2026.10.19
