A Three-Storey Pagoda of 1619
The Oppoji Temple Three-Storey Pagoda (乙宝寺三重塔, Oppō-ji sanjū-no-tō) is a pagoda built in 1619, in the early Edo period, at Oppoji, an old temple of the Shingon Chizan school in Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on March 28, 1923 (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The name is read Oppoji, not Otohoji.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a shingle roof, designated together with 1 ridge tag; designation number 00778, owned by Oppoji.
A Pagoda of the Lords of Murakami
According to the Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association, the pagoda was begun with 村上忠勝, lord of Murakami Castle, as patron, and completed in 1620 under a later lord of Murakami, 堀直奇. The master carpenter came from Kyoto, and the finial rings carry an inscription recording restoration in the Jokyo era (1684 to 1687). The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates the pagoda to 1619.
The association adds that Oppoji is said to have been founded in 736 at the command of Emperor Shomu, and that stories about the temple appear in the Konjaku Monogatari collection.
Why It Was Designated
The Oppoji Temple Three-Storey Pagoda was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1923. The Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association describes a pure Japanese-style pagoda with little carved ornament inside or out, yet dignified and beautifully balanced in form, in harmony with the old cedars around it.
It was dismantled and repaired between 1951 and 1953 and restored to its early form (Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association).
What to Look For
The pagoda is three bays square, with shingle roofs (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Its restrained Japanese-style form and well-proportioned silhouette among the old cedars are its highlights (Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association).
The temple grounds also hold a small Benten hall, thought to date from the early Edo period, on an island in the pond; it is a Niigata Prefecture designated cultural property (Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association).
Visiting
According to the Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association, the temple grounds are open to visitors, and the paid treasure house has been announced as closed. Reception hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The address is 乙1112, Tainai City, about 10 minutes by car from Hirakida Station or 15 minutes from Nakajo Station on the JR Uetsu Line, with parking. Enquiries go to Oppoji (0254-46-2016).
Q&A
- When was the pagoda built?
- In 1619 according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs; the tourism association gives completion in 1620.
- How is 乙宝寺 read?
- Oppoji (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What style is the pagoda?
- A three-bay, three-storey pagoda in pure Japanese style with shingle roofs (Agency for Cultural Affairs; Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association).
- Can I see the pagoda?
- Yes, the temple grounds are open, and the pagoda can be seen from outside (Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association).
- When was the pagoda designated?
- On March 28, 1923, together with 1 ridge tag.
Basic Information
| Name | Oppoji Temple Three-Storey Pagoda (乙宝寺三重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1923/03/28 (Taisho 12) |
| Quantity | 1 structure (with 1 ridge tag) |
| Dimensions | Three-bay, three-storey pagoda, shingle roof |
| Owner | Oppoji |
| Public Access | Temple grounds open (pagoda viewed from outside) |
References
- Oppoji Temple Three-Storey Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/644
- Oppoji pagoda and Benten hall (Niigata tourism navigator, Japanese)
- https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/7280
- Oppoji (Niigata tourism navigator, Japanese)
- https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/7285
Last verified: 2026.10.14