The Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō: A 14th-Century Stone Pagoda in the Heart of Ehime
Tucked away in a quiet grove behind the main hall of Noma Shrine in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, stands a remarkable granite stone pagoda that has witnessed seven centuries of Japanese history. The Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō, designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1954, is a stunning example of late Kamakura-period stone craftsmanship and one of the finest representatives of the distinctive "Ochi-style" pagodas unique to this region. For travelers seeking to explore Japan's hidden cultural treasures away from the well-trodden tourist paths, this elegant monument offers a profound encounter with medieval Buddhist art and devotion.
What Is a Hōkyōintō?
A hōkyōintō (literally "Treasure Casket Seal Pagoda") is a type of Buddhist stone pagoda that originally housed a copy of the Hōkyōin Dharani, a sacred Buddhist scripture believed to bring blessings and ward off misfortune. These pagodas spread throughout Japan from the late Heian period onward, becoming particularly popular during the Kamakura era as memorial monuments and devotional structures.
The classic hōkyōintō form consists of several distinct parts stacked vertically: a square base, the main tower body (where Buddhist deities are often represented), a stepped roof section, four corner ornaments called sumikazari that flare upward like petals, and a finial spire on top. Each element carries deep symbolic meaning rooted in esoteric Buddhist cosmology.
Historical Background and Religious Significance
The Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō was created in 1322, during the late Kamakura period, in the second year of the Genkō era. An inscription carved into the tower body reveals the touching personal story behind its commission: a man named Ki no Aruharu and his wife, a woman of the Fujiwara clan, dedicated this pagoda as a prayer for healing from illness and for long life. The inscription also expresses a wish that the merit gained from this offering be shared equally among all sentient beings in the dharma realm.
This deeply human dimension transforms the monument from a mere artifact into a window onto the spiritual world of medieval Japan. In an age when life was uncertain and medicine limited, devotees turned to Buddhist practice and the construction of sacred monuments as expressions of hope, gratitude, and devotion. The fact that we can still read this seven-century-old prayer today gives the pagoda a remarkable intimacy.
The pagoda was originally placed in a valley below the present site and was later moved to its current location in a wooded area behind the main shrine building. Despite the relocation, its structural integrity and artistic qualities have been preserved with great care.
Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property
On March 20, 1954, the Japanese government designated the Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō as a National Important Cultural Property. This recognition rests on several significant qualities.
First, the pagoda is a dated work, with its inscription clearly recording the year 1322 and the names of its patrons. Such precise dating is invaluable for art historians, allowing scholars to use the pagoda as a benchmark for studying other stone monuments of the period.
Second, the pagoda represents a regional style known as the "Ochi-style" (Ochi-shiki), named after the historical Ochi District of Iyo Province. This style is characterized by a distinctive curved pedestal placed beneath the tower body and is found in stone pagodas from western Ehime to Jōdoji Temple in Onomichi, across the Seto Inland Sea. The style reflects the movement of skilled stonemasons through the Geiyo Islands and provides physical evidence of cultural exchange across this maritime region.
Third, the artistic execution is exceptional. The granite has been carved with precision and a sense of proportion that lends the entire structure dignity and grace. The pagoda's sculptural details remain remarkably crisp despite seven centuries of exposure to the elements.
Artistic Highlights and Things to Look For
Standing approximately 211 centimeters tall and carved from solid granite, the Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō rewards careful observation. Several features deserve particular attention from visitors.
The Four Buddhas of the Diamond Realm
The four sides of the tower body each bear a deeply incised Sanskrit seed syllable, known as bonji, representing the Four Buddhas of the Diamond Realm (Vajradhātu) of esoteric Buddhism. These are: Akshobhya (ūṃ) on one face, Ratnasambhava (trāḥ) on another, Amitābha (hrīḥ) on a third, and Amoghasiddhi (aḥ) on the fourth. The carving technique is called yagen-bori, a sharp, V-shaped incision that creates a striking visual effect.
The Distinctive Ochi-Style Pedestal
Just below the tower body sits a curved pedestal, called a kuriagata-za, with an upward-facing molding. This element is the hallmark of the Ochi-style and is one of the first details that experts examine when identifying a pagoda from this regional tradition.
The Roof and Corner Ornaments
The stepped roof features two steps below the cornice and six above, creating a satisfying rhythmic profile. The four corner ornaments are carved from separate stones and feature a three-arc outline. Within each ornament, a moon disc is carved in low relief, containing the Sanskrit seed syllable "ban," representing Mahāvairocana, the central Buddha of the Diamond Realm mandala.
The Base and Inscription
The base is relatively low, with a downward-facing molding at its upper edge. Each side panel features a recessed framework enclosing a large kōzama (cusped opening), a decorative element common in medieval Japanese stonework. On the side bearing the seed syllable for Akshobhya, you can find the dedicatory inscription if you look closely.
The Edo-Period Finial
The uppermost portion of the pagoda, known as the sōrin and consisting of nine rings (kurin) topped with a sacred jewel (hōju), was added during the Edo period to replace the original which had been lost. While not part of the original 1322 work, this restoration demonstrates the continuing devotion of local communities to maintaining the monument.
About Noma Shrine Itself
The pagoda's setting at Noma Shrine adds significantly to the experience. The shrine itself is one of considerable antiquity, with traditions dating its founding to the year 701. It is listed in the tenth-century Engishiki as a Myōjin Taisha, the highest rank of officially recognized shrines, and was historically one of the most important shrines of Iyo Province (modern Ehime).
Visitors approach through a stone torii gate, cross a small bridge, and pass through a Zuijinmon gate that houses guardian deities. A path leads through tranquil woodland to the main shrine compound. The shrine's annual festival, held in spring, features dynamic traditional performances including a remarkable form of acrobatic lion dance called tsugi-jishi, in which performers stand on each other's shoulders to form towers of three or four levels. This lion dance is itself designated as a prefectural intangible folk cultural property.
Visitor Information
The Hōkyōintō is located behind the main shrine building, in a wooded area that gives the monument an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. Access is free, and the pagoda can be viewed from outside at any time. There is no admission charge.
The most convenient way to reach the site is by bus from JR Imabari Station. Take a bus bound for Ōnishi or Kikuma, alight at the Engi bus stop, and walk approximately 20 minutes south to reach the shrine. By car, the shrine is roughly 4 kilometers west of Imabari Station and is signposted from the main roads.
The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the surrounding woodland is at its most beautiful. If your visit coincides with the May annual festival, you will have the rare opportunity to witness centuries-old folk traditions performed in a setting that has changed little over the centuries.
Things to Do Nearby
Imabari City is the gateway to one of Japan's most beautiful coastal regions and offers a wealth of attractions.
- The Shimanami Kaidō, a 60-kilometer chain of bridges and islands connecting Honshu and Shikoku, is world-famous for cycling and offers spectacular sea views.
- Ōyamazumi Shrine on Ōmishima Island holds an extraordinary collection of medieval Japanese arms and armor, including pieces designated as National Treasures.
- Imabari Castle, a beautifully reconstructed coastal fortress, was originally built in the early 17th century and offers commanding views over the Seto Inland Sea.
- Imabari is also famous as the world capital of premium towel manufacturing, with several factory outlets and museums where visitors can learn about and purchase Imabari towels.
- Local cuisine includes excellent fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, particularly sea bream, and the famous yaki-buta tamago meshi (grilled pork and egg rice bowl) of Imabari.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Ehime
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Noma Shrine Pagoda
- [ Dogo Onsen & Matsuyama Castle Relaxation Tour ]
Q&A
- What exactly is a hōkyōintō, and how is it different from other pagodas?
- A hōkyōintō is a stone pagoda that originally enshrined a copy of the Hōkyōin Dharani sutra. Unlike five-story wooden pagodas seen at major temples, hōkyōintō are typically smaller stone monuments distinguished by their square tower body, stepped roof, and four upward-flaring corner ornaments. They were widely built during the Kamakura period as memorial and devotional structures.
- Can visitors actually see the pagoda up close?
- Yes. The Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō is located in the open within the shrine grounds and is freely accessible during daylight hours. Visitors can approach closely to admire the carvings, though touching the monument is not appropriate as it is a designated cultural property.
- Is photography allowed?
- Photography for personal use is generally permitted at the shrine, including of the pagoda. However, please be respectful of worshippers and shrine etiquette. For commercial photography or professional shoots, it is best to contact the shrine office in advance.
- What is the "Ochi-style," and where else can I see examples?
- The Ochi-style is a regional tradition of stone pagoda design from the historical Ochi District of Iyo Province (now part of Ehime). Its hallmark is a curved pedestal beneath the tower body. Other examples can be seen at sites in the Imabari area, on the islands of the Geiyo archipelago, and as far as Jōdoji Temple in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture.
- Are there other cultural properties to see at Noma Shrine?
- Yes. Noma Shrine houses a collection of Heian-period bronze mirrors designated as Ehime Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property, and the shrine's annual festival features a lion dance and straw mikoshi (portable shrine) procession that are designated intangible folk cultural properties at the prefectural and city levels respectively.
Basic Information
| Name | Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō (Treasure Stupa of Noma Shrine) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kannomiya, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan |
| Owner | Noma Shrine |
| Designation | National Important Cultural Property (designated March 20, 1954) |
| Date of Creation | 1322 (Genkō 2), late Kamakura period |
| Material | Granite |
| Height | Approximately 211 cm |
| Style | Ochi-style stone hōkyōintō |
| Patrons | Ki no Aruharu and his wife (of the Fujiwara clan) |
| Access | About 20 minutes' walk from Engi bus stop (Setouchi Bus from JR Imabari Station, bound for Ōnishi or Kikuma) |
| Admission | Free; viewable during daylight hours |
References
- National Cultural Properties Database (Agency for Cultural Affairs) – Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/3363
- Cultural Heritage Online – Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/196020
- Japan Heritage Portal – Stone Pagoda Group of the Noma District
- https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/culturalproperties/result/2518/
- Wikipedia – Noma Shrine (Imabari City)
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/野間神社_(今治市)
- Stone Buddhas and Stone Pagodas – Noma Shrine Hōkyōintō
- https://kawai24.sakura.ne.jp/ehime-nomajinnjya.htm
Last verified: 2026.05.05