A Bell Tower Seen from the Street
The Shorenji Temple Bell Tower (證蓮寺鐘楼) is an open bell tower of around 1912 in Matsushiromachi Matsushiro, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on November 17, 2015 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a timber structure with a tiled roof and an area of 8.2 square metres; registration number 20-0489.
In the Southwest Corner
The Shorenji Temple Bell Tower stands in the southwest corner of the grounds on a tall base of hexagonal stonework; it is a single bay square and open on all sides (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The hip-and-gable tiled roof runs north to south, with eaves of closely set double rafters.
Chamfered square posts lean slightly inward, each topped with a three-part bracket, and frog-leg struts sit between them (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape, as a bell tower that can be seen from the street and adds to the scenery of the old castle town.
What to Look For
Notice the tall base of hexagonal stonework and the frog-leg struts between the posts; the tower can be seen from the street (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
No official information from the temple on access to the grounds was found. The location is described on the Shorenji Temple page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Nagano
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Shorenji Temple Bell Tower
- [ Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Hiking Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Shorenji Temple Bell Tower built?
- Around 1912 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where is the bell tower at Shorenji?
- In the southwest corner of the temple grounds.
- What is special about the Shorenji bell tower?
- Its tall hexagonal stone base and carved struts between the posts.
- Can I see the Shorenji bell tower from the street?
- Yes, it can be seen from the street.
- When was the Shorenji Temple Bell Tower registered?
- On November 17, 2015 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Shorenji Temple Bell Tower (證蓮寺鐘楼) |
|---|---|
| Location | Lot 1299 and others, Matsushiromachi Matsushiro, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2015/11/17 (Heisei 27) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof, 8.2 m² |
| Owner | Shorenji Temple (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Visible from the street (access to the grounds unconfirmed) |
References
- Shorenji Temple Bell Tower (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00010777
Last verified: 2026.10.15
