The Pagoda on the Hill, 1618
The Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda (妙成寺五重塔) is a five-storied pagoda of 1618 in the precinct of Myojoji Temple in Takidani-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on April 14, 1906 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a five-storied pagoda three bays square, roofed in thick wooden shingles (tochi-buki); designation number 00389.
The Temple's Landmark
The Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda stands on a rise within the precinct and is the temple's landmark (temple website). Hakui City and the temple describe it as the only five-storied pagoda in the Hokuriku region.
According to the temple, it is one of the chief works of Yamagami Zen'emon and his workshop, master carpenters of the Kaga domain who also built Zuiryuji in Takaoka, and its sturdy frame, built to withstand sea winds, came through the Noto earthquake of March 2007 unharmed.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda was designated with the main hall and the founder's hall in 1906. It is an early Edo pagoda with a firm date of 1618 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
What to Look For
The pagoda is three bays square at its base, with five roofs of thick layered wooden boards (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Because the Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda stands on a rise, its stacked roofs look all the taller seen from below.
Visiting
The Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda stands on a rise in the Myojoji precinct, and its exterior can be seen within the grounds. No official information on interior access was found. Opening hours and admission are given on the Myojoji Temple page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Ishikawa
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda
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Q&A
- When was the Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda built?
- In 1618 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who built the Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda?
- Yamagami Zen'emon's workshop, master carpenters of the Kaga domain (temple website).
- What are its roofs made of?
- Thick layered wooden boards (tochi-buki).
- Where is the Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda?
- On a rise within the Myojoji precinct.
- When was the Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On April 14, 1906 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda (妙成寺五重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Takidani-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1906/04/14 (Meiji 39) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Five-storied pagoda, three bays square, thick wooden shingle roofs |
| Owner | Myojoji Temple |
| Public Access | Exterior visible within the precinct |
References
- Myojoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/798
- Myojoji Temple (Hakui City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukensetsubu/syoukoukankouka/12/1/2500.html
Last verified: 2026.10.14
