The Bell Tower of Zentsuji Temple: A Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Kagawa
Standing quietly in the eastern precinct of Zentsuji Temple — the birthplace of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan — the bell tower (shoro) is a striking example of late Edo-period religious architecture. Registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 2009, this elegant two-story wooden structure adds an unmistakable sense of historical depth to one of Shikoku's most revered temple complexes. For international visitors exploring the Shikoku Pilgrimage or seeking authentic encounters with Japan's Buddhist heritage, the Zentsuji Bell Tower offers a rare glimpse into the architectural craftsmanship that has defined Japanese temple landscapes for centuries.
History and Background of Zentsuji Temple
Zentsuji Temple holds a place of extraordinary significance in Japanese Buddhism. Founded in 807 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai, 774–835) upon his return from studying esoteric Buddhism in Tang Dynasty China, it stands on the site where this legendary monk was born. Together with Toji Temple in Kyoto and Koyasan in Wakayama, Zentsuji forms the trio of the three great sacred sites of Kobo Daishi. As the 75th temple on the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, it draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year.
The vast temple grounds, spanning approximately 45,000 square meters, are divided into two main areas. The eastern precinct (To-in, or Garan) features the Kondo (Golden Hall), the iconic 43-meter Five-Storied Pagoda, the Shakado Hall, and the bell tower. The western precinct (Sai-in, or Tanjoin) centers on the Mieido (Daishi Hall), built on the site of the Saeki family residence where Kukai is believed to have been born. Unfortunately, the original temple buildings were destroyed by fire in 1558 during the civil wars, and the surviving structures were gradually rebuilt from the late 17th century through the early 20th century.
Architecture of the Bell Tower
The Zentsuji Bell Tower (善通寺鐘楼, Zentsuji Shoro) was reconstructed during the late Edo period, between 1830 and 1867. It is a wooden two-story structure with a tiled roof, covering a building area of 23 square meters. Its architectural dimensions are three bays (ken) in the eaves direction and two bays in the depth direction, with an irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable) roof covered in hon-kawara (formal tile).
One of the bell tower's most distinctive features is its hakama-goshi (skirt-waist) lower story — a style in which the base of the structure flares outward like a traditional Japanese hakama garment. This design provides both visual elegance and structural stability. The upper story features a decorative veranda with giboshi (ornamental onion-shaped) railing posts, creating a refined silhouette that complements the surrounding temple buildings.
Structurally, the tower employs sashi-hijiki (inserted bracket arms) and three-layered bracket complexes (mitsudo) atop rainbow beams (koryo) to support the upper-floor veranda. The upper story uses hira-mitsudo-gumi bracket assemblies and fan-shaped rafters (ogi-daruki) to create the characteristically sweeping curvature of the eaves. Architectural researchers have noted traces suggesting the structure was originally built as a shoro-mon (bell tower gate), later converted to its present freestanding form. These vestiges of its former function add a layer of historical intrigue for visitors with an interest in Japanese temple architecture.
Why It Was Designated a Tangible Cultural Property
The bell tower was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property on November 2, 2009, as part of a group of six structures within the eastern precinct of Zentsuji Temple. The designation recognized its value as a well-preserved example of late Edo-period temple architecture that retains traces of its earlier function as a bell tower gate.
According to the official description from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the bell tower contributes significantly to the scenic beauty of the temple grounds. Its hakama-goshi style, the use of classical bracket systems, and the elegant fan-rafter eaves all represent traditional construction techniques that have become increasingly rare. The structure stands as an important component of the broader Zentsuji Temple complex, which together illustrates the evolution of a major Shingon Buddhist institution over many centuries.
Highlights and What to See
The bell tower is located to the southwest of the Kondo (Golden Hall) in the eastern precinct. Its position among the temple's major buildings — flanked by the towering Five-Storied Pagoda and the stately Kondo — creates a harmonious architectural ensemble that rewards careful observation. Visitors should look for the following highlights:
- The hakama-goshi (skirt-waist) base with its distinctive flared profile, a style commonly found in important Japanese temple bell towers.
- The giboshi (ornamental onion-shaped) railing along the upper-floor veranda, offering an elegant decorative touch typical of Edo-period craftsmanship.
- The sweeping roofline created by fan-shaped rafters, demonstrating the refined curvature techniques of traditional Japanese carpentry.
- Traces of the structure's former life as a bell tower gate (shoro-mon), visible in certain architectural details that specialists have identified.
The current bronze bell (bonsho) housed in the tower was cast in 1958. While it is not available for visitors to ring, the bell tower in the western precinct (built in 1978) does allow visitors to strike the bell freely, providing a hands-on experience of this quintessential Buddhist ritual.
Exploring the Surrounding Zentsuji Temple Complex
A visit to the bell tower naturally extends into an exploration of the broader Zentsuji Temple grounds. In the eastern precinct, the Kondo (Golden Hall), rebuilt in 1699 and designated an Important Cultural Property, houses a magnificent three-meter seated Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) statue. The Five-Storied Pagoda, also an Important Cultural Property, rises 43 meters and stands as one of the tallest wooden pagodas in Japan. During Golden Week in early May, the interior is opened for special viewing.
In the western precinct, the Mieido (Daishi Hall) offers the Kaidan Meguri, an underground passage in complete darkness that symbolizes spiritual rebirth — a deeply moving experience for many visitors. The Treasure Hall (Homotsukan) displays nationally designated treasures including the gilt-bronze staff head (National Treasure) said to have been brought back from China by Kukai himself, and the exquisite One Character One Buddha Lotus Sutra (National Treasure), an 11th-century illuminated manuscript.
Beyond the temple, Zentsuji City offers attractions such as the Former Zentsuji Kaikosha, a Meiji-era Renaissance-style building designated an Important Cultural Property, and nearby Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san), one of Shikoku's most beloved pilgrimage destinations, just a 15-minute drive away.
Visiting Information and Access
Zentsuji Temple's grounds are open year-round, and there is no admission fee to enter the main precinct or to view the bell tower and other exterior structures. The Kaidan Meguri (underground passage) and Treasure Hall require a combined admission fee of 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and middle school students, with hours from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The temple is a 15-minute walk from JR Zentsuji Station on the JR Dosan Line. By car, it is accessible from the Zentsuji Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway, approximately 4.2 km away. A large parking area is available near the western precinct's Shokaku Gate for 300 yen per vehicle. The temple also offers shukubo (temple lodging) at Iroha Kaikan, which features a natural hot spring bath and welcomes both pilgrims and general visitors.
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Q＆A
- What type of cultural property is the Zentsuji Bell Tower?
- The Zentsuji Bell Tower is a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財), registered on November 2, 2009. It is one of six structures in the eastern precinct that received this designation together. While it is not classified as a National Treasure or Important Cultural Property, its registration recognizes its architectural and historical significance within the Zentsuji Temple complex.
- Can visitors ring the bell in the bell tower?
- The bell in the eastern precinct's bell tower (the registered cultural property) cannot be rung by visitors. However, there is a separate bell tower in the western precinct (built in 1978) where visitors are welcome to ring the bell freely. Ringing a temple bell is a traditional Buddhist practice, so this is a wonderful opportunity for international visitors to participate in this custom.
- Is there an admission fee to see the bell tower?
- No. The bell tower can be viewed freely as part of the temple grounds, which are open year-round without charge. Only the Kaidan Meguri underground passage and the Treasure Hall require a paid admission of 500 yen for adults.
- What is the best season to visit Zentsuji Temple?
- Zentsuji Temple is beautiful throughout the year. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the grounds, while autumn offers colorful foliage. Golden Week (late April to early May) is especially recommended, as the Five-Storied Pagoda is opened for special interior viewing during this period. Winter visits offer the advantage of fewer crowds and a serene, contemplative atmosphere.
- Is the temple accessible for visitors who do not speak Japanese?
- While most on-site signage is primarily in Japanese, English information is available at the temple and through tourism websites. The physical layout of the temple is easy to navigate, and the visual beauty of the architecture and gardens transcends language barriers. For the Shikoku Pilgrimage, multilingual guidebooks and apps are also available to help international visitors.
Basic Information
| Name | Zentsuji Bell Tower (善通寺鐘楼 / Zentsuji Shoro) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Property Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Architectural Structure), registered November 2, 2009 |
| Construction Period | Late Edo Period (1830–1867) |
| Architectural Style | Wooden two-story structure, irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable roof), hon-kawara-buki (formal tile roofing), hakama-goshi (skirt-waist base), with giboshi balustrade on the upper story |
| Dimensions | 3 bays × 2 bays; building area approximately 23 m² |
| Location | 3-622 Zentsuji-cho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Parent Temple | Zentsuji Temple (総本山善通寺) — Head Temple of Shingon-shu Zentsuji-ha; Shikoku Pilgrimage Temple No. 75 |
| Admission | Free (temple grounds); Kaidan Meguri & Treasure Hall: 500 yen (adults), 300 yen (children) |
| Access | 15-minute walk from JR Zentsuji Station (JR Dosan Line); 4.2 km from Zentsuji IC on Takamatsu Expressway |
| Official Website | https://zentsuji.com/ |
References
- 善通寺鐘楼 — Cultural Heritage Online (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/145191
- 善通寺 — Wikipedia (Japanese)
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%96%84%E9%80%9A%E5%AF%BA
- Zentsū-ji — Wikipedia (English)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zents%C5%AB-ji
- The 75th Temple Zentsuji Temple — Sanuki History & Culture Guide
- https://rekinabi-sanuki.net/en/pilgrim/075.html
- Temple 75, Zentsūji — Tourism SHIKOKU
- https://shikoku-tourism.com/en/see-and-do/10094
- 総本山善通寺 — Official Website
- https://zentsuji.com/
- 国指定文化財等データベース — Agency for Cultural Affairs
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00007931
Last verified: 2026.03.26