A Bell Tower with Graceful Eaves
The Meisekiji Temple Bell Tower (明石寺鐘楼堂) is an open-sided bell tower of the late Edo period in Uwacho Ageishi, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 2, 2007 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a timber structure with a tiled roof and an area of 9.2 square metres; registration number 38-0081.
A Gracefully Curved Roof
The bell tower stands on a platform south-east of the main hall; it is one bay square and open on all sides under a hip-and-gable pantiled roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Its round posts lean slightly inward and carry three-block brackets, with further brackets between them and two tiers of rafters (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Restrained in ornament, it has deep eaves and a beautifully curved roof.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
Look for the deep eaves and the graceful curve of the roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The owner is not listed in the Agency record. No official information on visiting hours or fees was found. The nine registered structures, from the main hall to the stone steps, are introduced together on the Meisekiji Temple page.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In the late Edo period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What form does it take?
- One bay square and open on all sides.
- What are its posts like?
- Round posts leaning slightly inward.
- What should I look for?
- The deep eaves and curved roof.
- When was the Meisekiji Temple Bell Tower registered?
- On October 2, 2007 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Meisekiji Temple Bell Tower (明石寺鐘楼堂) |
|---|---|
| Location | 205 Uwacho Ageishi, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2007/10/02 (Heisei 19) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof, 9.2 m² |
| Owner | Not listed in the Agency database |
| Public Access | No official information on access |
References
- Meisekiji Temple Bell Tower (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00006322
Last verified: 2026.10.24
