A Skirted Bell Tower of the Kan'ei Era
The Myojoji Temple Bell Tower (妙成寺鐘楼) is a bell tower of about 1624 to 1643 in the precinct of Myojoji Temple in Takidani-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on August 13, 1917 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a bell tower three bays by two, with a boarded skirt below, under a hip-and-gable roof of wooden shingles; designation number 00715.
A Skirted Bell Tower
The Myojoji Temple Bell Tower is of the skirted type (hakamagoshi), its lower storey wrapped in boarding like a divided skirt (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The Agency dates it to about 1624 to 1643, the Kan'ei era.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Myojoji Temple Bell Tower was designated in 1917. Like the main hall and the Niomon, it belongs to the early Edo rebuilding of the temple under the Maeda lords.
What to Look For
The upper storey, three bays by two, carries a shingled hip-and-gable roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs). At the Myojoji Temple Bell Tower, compare the flared, boarded skirt below with the open upper storey above.
Visiting
The Myojoji Temple Bell Tower stands among the temple buildings 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 Bell Tower
- [ Kenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Craft Experiences ]
Q&A
- When was the Myojoji Temple Bell Tower built?
- In about 1624 to 1643 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What form does the Myojoji Temple Bell Tower take?
- A skirted bell tower three bays by two, with a shingled hip-and-gable roof.
- What is a hakamagoshi?
- A boarded lower storey flared like a divided skirt beneath the bell chamber.
- Can I see the Myojoji Temple Bell Tower?
- Yes, within the precinct; see the Myojoji page for hours and admission.
- When was the Myojoji Temple Bell Tower designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On August 13, 1917 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Myojoji Temple Bell Tower (妙成寺鐘楼) |
|---|---|
| Location | Takidani-machi, Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1917/08/13 (Taisho 6) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Three bays by two bays, skirted, hip-and-gable roof, wooden shingle roof |
| Owner | Myojoji Temple |
| Public Access | Exterior visible within the precinct |
References
- Myojoji Temple Bell Tower (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/801
- Myojoji Temple (Hakui City, Japanese)
- https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukensetsubu/syoukoukankouka/12/1/2500.html
Last verified: 2026.10.14
