The oldest structure at the temple
Most of Shokoji dates from the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras, but the bell tower carries an older pedigree. Its timber frame is attributed to the middle of the Edo period, roughly the late seventeenth to mid-eighteenth century, which makes it the oldest structure standing in the compound. It was moved to its present position, south of the main hall, in 1976.
It is a small open bell tower of a single bay, about ten square metres, set on a high plinth built up of Tomuro stone, the grey andesite quarried near Kanazawa and used in the region's castles and gardens. Raising the tower on that stone base gives it both height and stability.
A model of design in miniature
The tower is roofed in a hip-and-gable form with pantiles and left open on all sides. Its round columns taper at top and bottom and lean slightly inward on all four sides, tied together by penetrating beams and a head rail and capped with three-armed bracket sets. Between the brackets sit flat bracket units with carved beam noses, and a single row of rafters carries a coffered ceiling.
The result is a small, well-proportioned structure of real refinement, and it was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2011 under the criterion for a work serving as a model of design. Its quality, rather than its size, earns it that recognition.
Finding the bell tower
Standing on its stone plinth to the south of the main hall, the bell tower is easy to pick out within the precinct, and its open sides let you read the whole structure of columns, brackets and ceiling at a glance.
The tower stands within view of the memorial area, so a visit combines naturally with the Chiyo-ni Hall, the Sofu-an tea hut and the poet's grave, all open to visitors, and with the relic hall that can be entered for a small admission charge.
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Q&A
- How old is the bell tower?
- Its frame dates to the middle of the Edo period, roughly the late 1600s to mid-1700s, making it the oldest structure at Shokoji; it was moved here in 1976.
- What is the plinth made of?
- It is built up of Tomuro stone, a grey andesite quarried near Kanazawa and long used in the region's castles and gardens.
- What is notable about its structure?
- Round columns that taper and lean inward, three-armed bracket sets with carved beam noses, and an open, well-proportioned single-bay frame under a coffered ceiling.
- When was it registered?
- In 2011, as a national tangible cultural property recognised as a model of design.
- Can I see it up close?
- Yes; it stands openly on its stone base south of the main hall and can be viewed from the precinct alongside the memorial buildings.
Basic Information
| Name | Shokoji Bell Tower (Shoro) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Classification | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (national register) |
| Registration date | January 26, 2011 |
| Registration no. | 17-0217 |
| Registration criterion | Serving as a model of design |
| Era | Mid-Edo period (c. 1661-1751); relocated here in 1976 |
| Structure | Timber structure, tiled roof, area 10 m² |
| Count | 1 building |
| Owner | Religious corporation Shokoji |
| Public access | Active temple; interior not routinely open. The Chiyo-ni Hall, Sofu-an tea hut and relic hall (small fee) are open to visitors. |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs National Cultural Properties Database
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00008446
- Kaga no Chiyojo | Hakusan City
- https://www.city.hakusan.lg.jp/bunka/bunkashinko/1002773/1002775/index.html
- Shokoji | Urara Hakusanbito Tourism
- https://www.urara-hakusanbito.com/spot/detail_1100.html
- Shokoji Official Site
- https://shokoji.jp/
Last verified: 2026.07.11