Jōzenji Stone Pagodas: A Magnificent Collection of Medieval Stone Towers in Imabari
Tucked behind the main hall of Jōzenji Temple in the Engi district of Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, stands one of Japan's most impressive collections of medieval stone towers. Enclosed within a white-walled compound on a hillside, 11 stone pagodas — all designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan — create a solemn and awe-inspiring scene that transports visitors back to the Kamakura and Nanbokuchō periods (13th–14th centuries).
This remarkable ensemble includes four gorinto (five-ring towers), five hōkyōintō (jewel-casket pagodas), and two hōtō (treasure towers). Together, they represent the finest concentration of medieval stone craftsmanship in all of Ehime Prefecture, offering a rare window into the religious devotion and artistic mastery of Japan's medieval stonemasons.
The History and Origins of the Stone Pagodas
The stone pagodas at Jōzenji date from the mid-Kamakura period through the Nanbokuchō period, roughly spanning the late 13th to mid-14th centuries. Inscriptions found on two of the towers provide crucial dating evidence: one gorinto (five-ring tower) and one hōkyōintō (jewel-casket pagoda) in the front row bear the date Shōchū 3 (1326), while another hōkyōintō on the left side is inscribed with the date Enbun 2 (1357).
These stone towers were not originally erected at their current location. According to historical records, in Genroku 17 (1704) during the Edo period, the 11 pagodas were gathered from various locations scattered throughout the surrounding valleys and brought together at the temple grounds. As a result, the original groupings and arrangements of the towers may differ from what visitors see today.
The Imabari area, and particularly the Noman district where Jōzenji is located, was a major center for stone-tower construction during the medieval period. Scholars believe this tradition was connected to the revival of Iyo Kokubunji Temple during the late Kamakura period by monks from Nara's Saidaiji Temple. The Saidaiji school of Ritsu Buddhism was known for erecting stone towers as part of its missionary activities across Japan, and this influence likely extended to the Imabari region.
Why Were They Designated as Important Cultural Properties?
All 11 stone pagodas at Jōzenji were designated as Important Cultural Properties (Jūyō Bunkazai) by the Japanese government on March 23, 1961. Several factors contributed to this prestigious designation.
First, the sheer number and variety of stone towers gathered in one place is extraordinary. Having 11 Important Cultural Property-designated stone pagodas at a single temple is virtually unparalleled, and the Imabari area as a whole boasts 16 nationally designated stone towers — a remarkable concentration for any region in Japan.
Second, the pagodas demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship. The hōkyōintō towers display characteristic features of the Kansai-style tradition, with finely carved corner decorations (sumikari) on their cap stones and elegant proportions that reflect the height of medieval stone-carving art. The gorinto towers embody the Buddhist concept of the five great elements — earth, water, fire, wind, and void — expressed through their distinctive stacked forms of square, sphere, triangle, half-moon, and jewel shapes.
Third, the dated inscriptions on several towers make them invaluable for the study of medieval stone-tower development. The 1326 and 1357 dates place them firmly within a period of active stone-tower construction connected to the spread of Ritsu Buddhism and the cultural exchanges facilitated through the Geiyo Islands and the maritime networks of the Murakami Suigun (sea lords).
Understanding the Three Types of Stone Towers
Gorinto (Five-Ring Towers) — 4 Towers
The gorinto is one of Japan's most iconic stone tower forms, representing the five cosmic elements (godai) of Esoteric Buddhism: earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fū), and void (kū). Each element is expressed as a distinct geometric shape stacked vertically — a cube, a sphere, a pyramid, a crescent, and a jewel-shaped finial. Originally conceived as representations of Dainichi Nyorai (the Cosmic Buddha), gorinto were widely used as memorial and offering towers from the Kamakura period onward.
Hōkyōintō (Jewel-Casket Pagodas) — 5 Towers
The hōkyōintō takes its name from the Hōkyōin Darani sutra, which was originally enshrined within such towers. Characterized by a square tower body topped with a stepped cap bearing distinctive corner projections (sumikari) at its four corners, the hōkyōintō is crowned with a spire (sōrin) that echoes the form of the original Indian stupa. These towers were initially constructed for sutra enshrinement but later evolved into memorial monuments and grave markers.
Hōtō (Treasure Towers) — 2 Towers
The hōtō is a cylindrical stone tower inspired by the Lotus Sutra's description of a jeweled pagoda. With a rounded body and a distinctive roof, the hōtō represents the mystical Treasure Tower that appeared before Shakyamuni Buddha. These two towers at Jōzenji add further diversity to the already varied collection of stone pagoda forms.
Highlights and What to See
Upon entering the white-walled enclosure behind Jōzenji's main hall, visitors are greeted by the striking sight of all 11 stone towers arranged in two tiers. The upper row features a central gorinto flanked by two hōkyōintō, while the lower rows are arranged in two columns with a mix of all three tower types.
Pay close attention to the hōkyōintō towers, whose corner decorations reveal the stylistic traditions of Kansai-school stone carving. The vertical alignment of these projections is characteristic of medieval examples, in contrast to the more outward-flaring style seen in later Edo-period towers.
Look also for the Sanskrit seed syllables (shuji) carved into the tower bodies — these sacred characters represent Buddhist deities and add a layer of spiritual depth to the stonework. The weathered surfaces of the granite, covered in patches of lichen and moss, lend an atmosphere of timeless serenity.
Beyond the stone pagodas, Jōzenji itself is a treasure trove of cultural interest. The temple gate (Jishōmon) is a relocated structure from Imabari Castle, offering a tangible connection to the region's samurai heritage. The main hall enshrines a Nyoirin Kannon (Wish-Fulfilling Kannon), affectionately known as the "Engi no Kannon-sama," which is revealed to the public only once every 33 years.
About Jōzenji Temple
Jōzenji (formally known as Fumonzan Zuiōin Jōzenji) is a temple of the Shingon-shū Buzan sect, located in the Engi district of Imabari City. The temple's history is closely intertwined with the Imperial Court. In the year 901 (Engi 1), Emperor Daigo designated the temple as a chokuganji (imperially sponsored temple) after a monk named Tongyo performed healing prayers that reportedly cured the emperor's illness.
The temple's popular name, "Engi no Kannon-sama" (the Kannon of Engi), derives from this connection to the Engi era, and the surrounding village was eventually renamed Engi — a name it retains to this day. The temple is also notable for its omikuji (fortune-telling lots), said to have been devised by the Edo-period head priest Ryūken Hōin and reputed for their accuracy.
Nearby Attractions
Jōzenji is ideally situated for visitors exploring the broader Imabari and Shimanami Kaido area. Imabari Castle, a rare seaside castle built by the renowned castle architect Tōdō Takatora in 1602, is approximately 4.5 km away. Its moat is filled with seawater, and the observation deck on the reconstructed keep offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
The Shimanami Kaido, one of the world's most celebrated cycling routes connecting Imabari to Onomichi across a chain of islands, begins just a short drive from the temple. Cyclists and motorists alike can enjoy the stunning triple suspension bridges spanning the Kurushima Strait.
The Ōyamazumi Shrine on Ōmishima Island, reachable via the Shimanami Kaido, houses one of Japan's largest collections of national-treasure armor and weaponry. For those interested in Japan's maritime heritage, the Murakami Kaizoku Museum on Ōshima Island tells the story of the legendary Murakami sea lords who once controlled these waters.
The nearby Shikoku Pilgrimage route passes through Imabari, with Temple No. 54 (Enmeiji) located close to Jōzenji, making it a convenient side trip for pilgrims walking the henro trail.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Ehime
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Jozenji Stone Pagoda
- [ Dogo Onsen & Matsuyama Castle Relaxation Tour ]
Q＆A
- Can I visit the stone pagodas at any time of year?
- Yes, the stone pagodas can be viewed throughout the year. There is no admission fee. The temple grounds are open during daylight hours. Spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for visiting, with cherry blossoms or colorful foliage enhancing the temple setting.
- Is there English signage or information available on site?
- English-language information on site is limited. It is recommended to research the stone pagodas beforehand. The temple staff are welcoming but may not speak fluent English. A basic phrasebook or translation app may be helpful.
- How do I get to Jōzenji Temple from JR Imabari Station?
- From JR Imabari Station, take the bus bound for Ōnishi or Kikuma and alight at the "Engi" stop (approximately 15 minutes). From there, it is about a 5-minute walk to the temple. By car, the temple is roughly 10 minutes from central Imabari via National Route 196.
- What is the difference between a gorinto, hōkyōintō, and hōtō?
- A gorinto (five-ring tower) consists of five geometric shapes representing the five cosmic elements. A hōkyōintō (jewel-casket pagoda) features a square tower body with a stepped cap bearing distinctive corner projections. A hōtō (treasure tower) has a cylindrical body with a rounded roof. All three types served as Buddhist memorial or offering towers.
- Can I combine a visit with cycling the Shimanami Kaido?
- Absolutely. Jōzenji is located in Imabari, which serves as one of the two starting points for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. You can visit the temple before or after your cycling adventure. Rental bicycles are available at Sunrise Itoyama near the start of the bridge route.
Basic Information
| Name | Jōzenji Stone Pagodas (乗禅寺石塔) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Important Cultural Property of Japan (designated March 23, 1961) |
| Number of Towers | 11 (4 gorinto, 5 hōkyōintō, 2 hōtō) |
| Period | Kamakura to Nanbokuchō periods (mid-13th to mid-14th century) |
| Dated Inscriptions | Shōchū 3 (1326) and Enbun 2 (1357) |
| Material | Stone (granite) |
| Temple Name | Fumonzan Zuiōin Jōzenji (普門山瑞應院乗禅寺) |
| Sect | Shingon-shū Buzan-ha (真言宗豊山派) |
| Principal Image | Nyoirin Kannon (聖如意輪観世音菩薩) |
| Address | Engi-kō 600, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 794-0084 |
| Phone | 0898-22-4671 |
| Access | Bus from JR Imabari Station (Ōnishi/Kikuma line) to "Engi" stop, 15 min + 5 min walk; or approx. 10 min by car from central Imabari via Route 196 |
| Admission | Free |
References
- 乗禅寺（乃万地区の石塔群）｜日本遺産ポータルサイト
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/2517/
- 乗禅寺石塔 石造五輪塔（３）｜文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/191203
- 石塔めぐり｜観光スポット｜今治市
- https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=117
- えんぎ観音「乗禅寺」ウェブサイト
- https://www.engikannon.jp/
- 乗禅寺（じょうぜんじ）石塔群
- https://kawai24.sakura.ne.jp/ehime-jyouzennji.htm
- 乗禅寺（今治市・乃万地区）｜神仏探訪記
- https://shintobuddhajourney.com/sbj/jozen-ji-temple-imabari/
- 乗禅寺（愛媛県今治市）｜お寺の風景と陶芸
- https://tempsera.at.webry.info/200803/article_5.html
Last verified: 2026.03.22