The Hōkyōintō at Kōryū-ji: A Masterpiece of Medieval Japanese Stone Art
Nestled deep within the forested hillside of Nishiyama Kōryū-ji Temple in Saijō City, Ehime Prefecture, stands a remarkable stone monument that has quietly endured for over six centuries. The Kōryū-ji Hōkyōintō (宝篋印塔), designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan since 1954, is a towering granite memorial pagoda dating back to the Nanbokuchō period (1336–1392). Rising approximately 292 centimeters in height, this elegant stone tower is said to have been erected as a memorial for none other than Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. Whether or not this legendary attribution can be confirmed, the tower itself stands as one of the finest examples of the Kansai-style hōkyōintō in all of Shikoku.
What Is a Hōkyōintō?
A hōkyōintō is a type of Buddhist stone pagoda traditionally used as a memorial tower or funerary monument. The name derives from the "Hōkyōin Dhāranī Sūtra" (宝篋印陀羅尼経), a Buddhist scripture whose texts were originally enshrined within such towers. These distinctive pagodas trace their origins to ancient India and China, where King Ashoka is said to have distributed 84,000 reliquary stupas across the world. In China, King Qian Hongchu of the Wuyue kingdom later created 84,000 miniature pagodas in emulation of this legend, and this tradition eventually made its way to Japan.
In Japan, stone hōkyōintō began to appear during the early Kamakura period (around the 13th century) and became widespread from the mid-Kamakura period onward. They were erected by members of the aristocracy, warrior class, and clergy for purposes of memorial, prayer, and spiritual merit. The typical structure consists of four main sections from bottom to top: the base (基礎), the tower body (塔身), the cap or roof (笠) with distinctive corner ornaments (隅飾), and the finial (相輪) crowned with a sacred jewel.
Why Was It Designated an Important Cultural Property?
The Kōryū-ji Hōkyōintō was designated as an Important Cultural Property (重要文化財) on September 17, 1954, in recognition of its exceptional historical significance and artistic quality. The tower is a prime example of the Kansai-style hōkyōintō, a form that originated in the Nara-Kyoto cultural sphere and spread throughout western Japan. Several key factors contributed to its designation.
First, the tower is carved from high-quality granite and exhibits masterful craftsmanship representative of the Nanbokuchō period. The front face of the tower body bears a carved Sanskrit seed syllable "A" (ア), representing Dainichi Nyorai (Mahāvairocana) of the Taizōkai (Womb Realm) mandala, while the other three faces remain unadorned—an unusual and elegant compositional choice. The base features finely executed relief carvings of an open lotus blossom within the kozama (格狭間) panel on its front face, demonstrating the refined stone-carving traditions of the era.
Second, the tower's excellent state of preservation allows scholars to study the evolution of stone pagoda architecture in the Shikoku region. Together with the bronze bell (dated 1286) and the main hall (built 1375) of Kōryū-ji, the hōkyōintō contributes to a remarkable concentration of Important Cultural Properties at a single temple site, illustrating the deep religious devotion and cultural patronage that this temple received over centuries.
Highlights and What to See
The hōkyōintō is located within the spacious grounds of Nishiyama Kōryū-ji Temple, and visiting it offers the chance to appreciate not only this singular monument but an entire landscape steeped in spiritual history.
The Stone Tower Itself
Take a moment to study the tower's proportions and craftsmanship up close. Notice the graceful transition from the stepped base to the slender tower body, the cap with its gently outward-leaning corner ornaments, and the finial rising skyward. The Sanskrit "A" character carved on the front of the tower body is a subtle but powerful symbol connecting this stone monument to the vast cosmos of Shingon Buddhist theology.
The Main Hall (National Important Cultural Property)
The main hall, built in 1375 during the Muromachi period, is a magnificent wooden structure blending Japanese (wayō) and Zen (zenshūyō) architectural styles. Resting atop impressive stone walls constructed in castle-building fashion during the Edo period, it commands a dignified presence among the surrounding cedars and maples.
The Autumn Foliage
Kōryū-ji is renowned throughout Shikoku as one of the premier spots for autumn leaf viewing. Approximately 300 Japanese maples line the temple approach, creating a breathtaking canopy of crimson and gold typically reaching peak color in late November to early December. The temple's popular nickname, "Momiji no Tera" (Maple Temple), speaks to this spectacular seasonal transformation.
The Miyurugi Bridge and Mountain Approach
The journey to the temple begins at the vermillion Miyurugi Bridge, where visitors are greeted by a welcoming stone child statue. Sutras inscribed on the underside of the bridge are said to represent the crossing from darkness into spiritual light. The long, ascending approach through ancient trees offers a meditative experience that prepares visitors for the sacred atmosphere of the temple grounds above.
The Rich History of Nishiyama Kōryū-ji Temple
According to temple records, Kōryū-ji was founded in 642 CE by the legendary monk Kūhachi Shōnin, who is said to have arrived in Japan from India riding upon a cloud. During the Yōrō era (717–724), the great monk Gyōki carved the principal deity, the Thousand-Armed Kannon (Senju Kannon). Later, both the revered monk Hōon Daishi and Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, are recorded to have visited and practiced at this mountain temple.
During the reign of Emperor Kanmu (782–806), the temple received the status of Imperial Prayer Temple (chokuganji), and its precinct was expanded with a full set of seven major temple buildings. In the early Kamakura period, Minamoto no Yoritomo is believed to have sponsored the reconstruction of the main hall, and throughout subsequent centuries, the temple continued to enjoy the patronage of the Kōno clan, the Matsuyama domain, and the Komatsu domain. This long history of support from emperors, shoguns, and regional lords explains the extraordinary wealth of cultural treasures preserved here today.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
Saijō City and the Tōyo region of Ehime Prefecture offer visitors a wonderful combination of natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and local culture. Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan at 1,982 meters, is located nearby and offers excellent hiking opportunities throughout the year. The famous Ishizuchisan Ropeway provides easy access to alpine scenery and is particularly popular during the autumn foliage season.
In Saijō City itself, visitors can explore the Saijō Festival, one of the most spectacular autumn festivals in all of Shikoku, featuring elaborately decorated portable shrines (danjiri) paraded through the streets each October. The Uchinuki natural spring water, which bubbles up from underground sources throughout the city, has earned Saijō the nickname "City of Water" and is available for free tasting at numerous locations.
The nearby Imabari Towel Museum and the start of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route connecting Shikoku to Honshu across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea are also within easy reach, making Saijō an excellent base for exploring the wider region.
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Q＆A
- Is the Kōryū-ji Hōkyōintō accessible to the general public year-round?
- Yes, the hōkyōintō is located within the open temple grounds and can be viewed at any time during temple visiting hours. There is no separate admission fee to see the stone tower. The temple itself does not charge an entrance fee, though a small parking fee may apply.
- What is the best time of year to visit?
- While the temple can be enjoyed year-round, late November to early December offers the spectacular autumn foliage for which Kōryū-ji is famous. The annual Momiji Matsuri (Maple Festival) held during this period features special openings of the treasure hall and traditional food stalls. Spring also brings beautiful cherry blossoms along the approach.
- How do I get to Nishiyama Kōryū-ji Temple?
- From JR Nyūgawa Station on the Yosan Line, the temple is about 25 minutes by car or taxi. By car, take the Imabari-Komatsu Expressway to the Tōyo-Tanbara IC exit, then follow Ehime Prefectural Route 151 for approximately 20 minutes, following signs to the temple. Note that the approach from the parking area to the main hall involves a lengthy uphill walk along stone steps.
- Are there English information signs or guides available at the temple?
- Information signage at the temple is primarily in Japanese. It is recommended to research the cultural properties before your visit. However, the visual beauty of the temple grounds, architecture, and stone monuments transcends language barriers and can be deeply appreciated by all visitors.
- Can I combine a visit to Kōryū-ji with other Shikoku Pilgrimage temples?
- Absolutely. Kōryū-ji is the 10th temple of the Shikoku Bekkaku Twenty Temple Pilgrimage (四国別格二十霊場), a supplementary route to the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Several other pilgrimage temples are located within the Saijō area, making it convenient to visit multiple sacred sites in a single trip.
Basic Information
| Name | Kōryū-ji Hōkyōintō (興隆寺宝篋印塔) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Important Cultural Property of Japan (designated September 17, 1954) |
| Type | Stone hōkyōintō pagoda (Kansai style) |
| Period | Nanbokuchō period (14th century) |
| Material | Granite |
| Height | Approximately 292 cm |
| Location | Nishiyama Kōryū-ji Temple, Tanbara-chō Kota, Saijō City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Owner | Kōryū-ji Temple |
| Access | 25 minutes by car from JR Nyūgawa Station (Yosan Line); 20 minutes from Tōyo-Tanbara IC (Imabari-Komatsu Expressway) |
References
- 西山興隆寺 - Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%A5%BF%E5%B1%B1%E8%88%88%E9%9A%86%E5%AF%BA
- 宝篋印塔 - Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%AE%9D%E7%AF%8B%E5%8D%B0%E5%A1%94
- 興隆寺宝篋印塔 - 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/196040
- 興隆寺本堂 - 愛媛県庁公式ホームページ
- https://www.pref.ehime.jp/ehimenotakara/22.html
- 第十番 西山興隆寺 – 四国別格二十霊場
- https://www.bekkaku.com/?page_id=33
- 西山興隆寺 - るるぶ&more.
- https://rurubu.jp/andmore/spot/80036772
- 西山興隆寺宝篋印塔 - 石仏と石塔
- https://kawai24.sakura.ne.jp/ehime-nisiyamakouryuji.htm
- 別格10番札所西山興隆寺 - 四国遍路情報サイト
- https://pilgrim-shikoku.net/nishiyamakoryuji-specialexceptional10
Last verified: 2026.03.22