Myosenji Bell Tower Gate: A Rare Edo-Period Masterpiece in Imabari
Tucked away on a gentle hillside in the Onishi district of Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, the Myosenji Bell Tower Gate (明専寺鐘楼門, Myōsenji Shōrōmon) stands as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of late Edo-period Japan. Built in 1840 (Tenpō 11), this two-story gate is one of the rarest architectural forms found in Japanese Buddhist temples — a one-bay, single-entrance, two-story gate (一間一戸二重門, ikken ikko nijūmon) — and was officially registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2025.
Myosenji Temple itself is a Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha (Pure Land Buddhist) temple founded in 1657 (Meireki 3). While the temple's history spans nearly four centuries, it is the bell tower gate at the entrance to the grounds that has captured the attention of architectural historians and cultural heritage specialists alike.
Why Was It Designated a Cultural Property?
The Myosenji Bell Tower Gate was registered under the criterion of "contributing to the historic landscape of the nation." Several factors make this structure exceptionally significant.
First, the gate's architectural form — a one-bay, single-entrance, two-story gate — is exceedingly rare across Japan. Most temple gates follow more common designs such as single-story sanmon or rōmon (tower gates). The combination of a functioning bell tower within a two-story gate structure of this compact scale represents an unusual and precious example of Edo-period temple architecture.
Second, the gate showcases the highly refined woodworking techniques that flourished in the late Edo period. Constructed primarily with tsuga (hemlock) wood, the gate features elaborate esama-chōkoku (decorative pictorial carvings) throughout its beams, brackets, and eaves. These ornamental carvings, characteristic of the late Edo aesthetic, demonstrate a level of artistry that transforms a functional structure into an architectural work of art.
Third, the survival of detailed construction records — documents equivalent to modern construction diaries — provides invaluable historical data. These records reveal not only the exact construction dates but also the names of the master carpenters and stonemasons who built the gate and the accompanying stone walls. Such documentation is uncommon for structures of this period and greatly enhances the gate's historical and academic value.
Architectural Highlights and Points of Interest
The bell tower gate is built in the irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable) roof style with san-kawara (pantile) roofing. Standing at the entrance to the temple compound, visitors pass beneath this imposing two-story structure to enter the sacred grounds. Within the upper story, a temple bell (bonshō) is suspended — the very feature that gives this gate its name as a "bell tower gate."
The extensive use of tsuga wood throughout the structure gives the gate a warm, natural tone that has aged gracefully over nearly two centuries. The esama-chōkoku carvings are found throughout the gate — look closely at the bracket complexes, the frieze panels beneath the eaves, and the decorative elements around the upper story to appreciate the full scope of the carvers' artistry.
The Stone Walls
Flanking the stone steps that lead up to the bell tower gate, the Myosenji stone walls are themselves registered as a separate cultural property. The northern stone wall, built in 1838 (Tenpō 9), was constructed using granite quarried from Yuzuejima, a small island off the coast of Onishi. The southern wall, completed in 1857 (Ansei 4), was built with a variety of stones collected from the surrounding villages. Both walls were funded through communal donations from the local villagers, reflecting the deep connection between the temple and its community. The meticulous stonework, with large and small stones precisely fitted together, creates an impressive and enduring structure.
Ongoing Restoration
As of 2025, the bell tower gate is undergoing careful preservation and restoration work, with completion expected around the summer of 2026. This restoration ensures that this rare architectural treasure will continue to grace the Onishi landscape for generations to come. Visitors are encouraged to check with the Imabari City Cultural Promotion Division for the latest access information before planning a visit.
The Surrounding Area: Exploring Onishi and Imabari
The Onishi district of Imabari offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and maritime culture. Nestled between gentle hills and the Seto Inland Sea, this area provides an authentic glimpse into rural Shikoku life while remaining conveniently accessible.
Just a short distance from Myosenji, the Fujiyama Health Culture Park is home to the Myokenyama Kofun, a nationally designated historic site featuring an early Kofun-period (3rd–4th century) keyhole-shaped burial mound. The ancient tomb can be viewed through a glass enclosure, making it an unusual and memorable experience.
The coastline of Onishi faces the Itsuki-nada strait of the Seto Inland Sea, where Hoshino-ura Beach Park and Kamoike Coast Park offer beautiful seaside scenery alongside views of the shipyard cranes that are a hallmark of this region. Imabari is renowned as Japan's leading shipbuilding city and the home of the famous Imabari towels.
For those exploring further, the Shimanami Kaido — the spectacular cycling and driving route connecting Shikoku to Honshu across a chain of islands — begins in Imabari. The route passes over some of the most beautiful scenery in the Seto Inland Sea and is considered one of the finest cycling courses in the world.
Access Information
Myosenji Temple is located in the Onishi district of Imabari City. The nearest train station is JR Onishi Station on the JR Yosan Line, which is served by local trains approximately once per hour. From JR Onishi Station, the temple is accessible on foot or by taxi. If traveling by car from the Shimanami Kaido, take the Imabari Interchange and follow National Route 196 toward Matsuyama; the Onishi area is approximately 15 minutes away.
The temple is an active place of worship. Visitors are kindly asked to be respectful of the sacred grounds and any ongoing religious services. Please note that the bell tower gate is currently undergoing restoration work (expected completion: summer 2026), so viewing conditions may be limited during this period.
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Q&A
- What makes the Myosenji Bell Tower Gate architecturally rare?
- The gate is a one-bay, single-entrance, two-story gate (ikken ikko nijūmon) — a structural type that is extremely uncommon across Japan. It combines the function of a bell tower with a formal temple gate in a compact two-story form, and features lavish decorative carvings characteristic of the late Edo period.
- Can I visit the bell tower gate now?
- The bell tower gate is currently undergoing preservation and restoration work, with completion expected around summer 2026. It is recommended to contact the Imabari City Cultural Promotion Division (Tel: 0898-36-1608) for the latest information on viewing access before your visit.
- How do I get to Myosenji Temple?
- The nearest station is JR Onishi Station on the JR Yosan Line. Local trains run approximately once per hour. By car, the temple is about 15 minutes from the Imabari Interchange on the Shimanami Kaido via National Route 196.
- Is there an admission fee?
- Myosenji is an active Buddhist temple. There is generally no admission fee to view the exterior of the gate and the stone walls. As the temple grounds are a place of worship, visitors are asked to be respectful during their visit.
- What else can I see nearby?
- The nearby Fujiyama Health Culture Park features the Myokenyama Kofun, a nationally designated ancient burial mound. The coastline offers scenic beach parks, and the Shimanami Kaido cycling route begins in Imabari. The city is also famous for its shipbuilding industry and Imabari towels.
Basic Information
| Name | Myosenji Bell Tower Gate (明専寺鐘楼門) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Property Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) — Registered August 6, 2025 |
| Registration Criteria | Contributes to the historic landscape of the nation |
| Year of Construction | 1840 (Tenpō 11) |
| Architectural Style | One-bay, single-entrance, two-story gate (ikken ikko nijūmon); irimoya-zukuri hip-and-gable roof with san-kawara tiles |
| Primary Material | Tsuga (hemlock) wood |
| Temple | Myosenji (Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha) |
| Temple Founded | 1657 (Meireki 3) |
| Address | 1277 Waki-kō, Ōnishi-chō, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture 799-2206 |
| Access | From JR Onishi Station (JR Yosan Line); approximately 15 minutes by car from Imabari IC (Shimanami Kaido) |
| Contact | Imabari City Cultural Promotion Division — Tel: 0898-36-1608 |
| Note | Currently undergoing restoration (expected completion: summer 2026) |
References
- 「明専寺鐘楼門」ほか1基が国の登録有形文化財（建造物）に登録されます（文化審議会答申） — 愛媛県庁
- https://www.pref.ehime.jp/page/104870.html
- 「明専寺鐘楼門」「明専寺石垣」が国登録有形文化財（建造物）に登録されました — 今治市
- https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/bunka/info/016/
- 大西 — 今治市移住・定住・交流ポータルサイト
- https://iju-imabari.jp/life-guide/area-overview/oonishi/
- 大西町 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%A7%E8%A5%BF%E7%94%BA
Last verified: 2026.03.22