National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties · Kanagawa

Former Tomyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda

Former Tomyoji Pagoda, Sankeien: The Oldest Designated Pagoda in Kanto

The former Tomyoji pagoda on the hill at Sankeien in Yokohama, built in 1457 in Kyoto and moved here in 1914, is the oldest designated pagoda in the Kanto region.

Designation National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties

Location Kanagawa

The Pagoda on the Hill above the Pond

The Former Tomyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (旧燈明寺三重塔) is a Muromachi-period pagoda that has become the emblem of Sankeien of the Muromachi period in Honmoku Sannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on December 14, 1931 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency records a three-bay, three-storied pagoda roofed in tiles; designation number 00894.

The 1931 date in the Agency record is that of its designation under the former law.

The Oldest Designated Pagoda in the Kanto Region

The former Tomyoji pagoda is a three-bay, three-storied pagoda roofed in tiles, dated in the Agency record to the early Muromachi period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

According to Sankeien, it stood at Tomyoji in Kizugawa, Kyoto Prefecture, was built in 1457 and was moved to Sankeien in 1914. It is the oldest building in the garden and the oldest pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property in the Kanto region. Its details follow the Japanese style, and the gentle curve of its eaves and gentle taper give it a stable form.

Why It Is an Important Cultural Property

The Agency record has no commentary; the Muromachi date and the three-bay, three-storey structure set out what was designated.

What to Look For

Look for the pagoda on the hill seen across the great pond and the gentle curve of its eaves (Sankeien).

Visiting

It is owned by the Sankeien Hoshokai Foundation (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to the Sankeien website, the garden is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30) and closed from December 26 to 31; admission is 900 yen for adults (high-school age and over) and 200 yen for primary and junior high school pupils. Each building is introduced together on the Sankeien page.

Q&A

QWhen was it built?: AIn 1457, according to Sankeien.

QWhere was it first?: AAt Tomyoji in Kizugawa, Kyoto.

QWhen was it moved?: AIn 1914 (Sankeien).

QWhy does it matter?: AIt is the Kanto region's oldest designated pagoda.

QWhen was the Former Tomyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?: AOn December 14, 1931 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

Basic Information

Name	Former Tomyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (旧燈明寺三重塔)
Location	58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Designation	Important Cultural Property (Structure)
Year Designated	Designated 1931/12/14 (Showa 6)
Quantity	1 structure
Dimensions	Three-bay, three-storied pagoda, tiles
Owner	Sankeien Hoshokai Foundation
Public Access	By bus from Yokohama, Sakuragicho and other stations (Sankeien)