A Pagoda of 1385
The Nyoiji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (如意寺三重塔) is a Japanese-style three-storey pagoda at Nyoiji, dated 1385 by an inscription on its finial of 1385 in Hasetanicho, Nishi Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on July 19, 1952 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a tiled roof; designation number 01176.
Nyoiji
Nyoiji is a temple in Hasetanicho, Nishi Ward, Kobe. According to a document published on the Kobe City website, it is said to have been revived by Ganzai in the 990s and was probably founded in the late 10th century. Its precinct has three designated buildings: the Amida hall, the three-storey pagoda and the Monju hall (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency record has no commentary; the date, 1385, and its form, a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a tiled roof, set out what was designated.
A Pagoda Dated by Its Finial
The three-storey pagoda of Nyoiji dates from 1385 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It is three bays wide and roofed in tile.
According to a document on the Kobe City website, it is a Japanese-style pagoda enshrining the Five Wisdom Buddhas, dated by an inscription on its bronze finial, which also records a repair in 1619.
What to Look For
At the pagoda, look for its three Japanese-style roofs and the finial that records its date (Kobe City document; Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The pagoda is owned by Nyoiji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on visiting or access was found.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1385 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is it dated?
- By its finial inscription.
- What does it enshrine?
- The Five Wisdom Buddhas.
- When was it designated?
- On July 19, 1952.
- When was the Nyoiji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On July 19, 1952 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Nyoiji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (如意寺三重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hasetanicho, Nishi Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1952/07/19 (Showa 27) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Three bays, three storeys, tiled roof |
| Owner | Nyoiji Temple |
| Public Access |
References
- Nyoiji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/2254
- Ancient and Medieval Architecture (document on the Kobe City website, in Japanese)
- https://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/documents/56204/kc-11-2.pdf
Last verified: 2026.11.14
