Ryujoin Temple Bell Tower Gate

The Bell Tower Gate of Ryūjōin Temple: A Unique Fusion of East and West in Okayama

Perched atop a hillside in the quiet coastal city of Tamano, Okayama Prefecture, the Bell Tower Gate (Shōrōmon) of Ryūjōin Temple stands as a remarkable testament to early twentieth-century architectural experimentation in Japan. Built in 1922 during the Taisho era, this gate is distinguished by its bold combination of reinforced concrete and traditional Japanese woodworking — a hybrid construction virtually unparalleled in the region. Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, the Ryūjōin Shōrōmon invites visitors to witness a fascinating chapter in the evolution of Japanese temple architecture.

Historical Background

Ryūjōin Temple is situated at 1326 Higashi-Taiji in Tamano City, occupying an elevated site at the foot of Terayama hill. The temple compound includes several structures recognized for their cultural value: the Main Hall (Hondō), dating from 1819 in the late Edo period; the stone steps and stone walls from the Meiji era; and the Bell Tower Gate, completed in 1922. All three were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties on July 31, 2007, underscoring the compound's significance as a cohesive historical landscape.

The Taisho era (1912–1926) was a period of rapid modernization in Japan, and new building materials such as reinforced concrete were being introduced across the country. The Bell Tower Gate of Ryūjōin reflects this transitional moment, incorporating modern construction techniques into what had traditionally been an entirely wooden architectural form. The temple is also associated with the Kojima Shikoku Pilgrimage route, adding a spiritual dimension to its historical importance.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

The Ryūjōin Shōrōmon was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property under the criterion of contributing to the historical landscape of Japan. Its registration number is 33-0157. The gate is recognized for its uniquely hybrid structural composition — a two-story bell tower gate in which the lower story is built with reinforced concrete while the upper story follows traditional Japanese wooden construction. This combination was virtually unprecedented in the Tamano area and represents a valuable example of how Taisho-era builders experimented with blending Western engineering and Japanese architectural traditions.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions

The Bell Tower Gate is a two-story structure with a total building area of approximately 10 square meters, flanked by low wing walls (sodebei) on either side. The lower story is constructed of reinforced concrete with a distinctive modern finish: the base is clad in granite, while the upper portion features white stretcher-bond tiles, giving the lower level a clean, Western-influenced appearance. In contrast, the upper story is entirely traditional Japanese wooden construction, spanning two ken in width and one and a half ken in depth, topped with an elegant irimoya (hipped-gable) roof covered in hon-kawarabuki (formal Japanese roof tiles).

This striking juxtaposition — modern concrete below and traditional timber above — creates an immediately memorable visual impression. Visitors ascending the broad stone stairway of eight steps, each roughly nine meters wide, are greeted by this architectural composition that bridges two distinct building traditions. The stone walls flanking the approach extend 37 meters in total length and stand 2.6 meters high, with stonework divided into approximately four sections reflecting different periods of construction.

The Temple Compound

Beyond the Bell Tower Gate, the Main Hall of Ryūjōin offers further architectural interest. Built in 1819 and renovated in 1982, this single-story wooden structure covers 214 square meters and follows the traditional six-room hōjō layout. Its irimoya roof is covered in formal tiles, and the southeastern entrance features an elegant mukō-karahafu (undulating Chinese-style gable). Decorative gable carvings of komainu (guardian lions) and tigers reflect the ornamental richness characteristic of late Edo-period temple architecture.

Together, the Bell Tower Gate, Main Hall, stone steps, and stone walls form a unified cultural landscape on the hillside — a complete example of a hilltop temple precinct as it evolved from the Edo period through the Taisho era.

Visitor Information and Surroundings

Tamano City is located on the southern coast of Okayama Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea. The city serves as a gateway to Naoshima and the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, with ferries departing from nearby Uno Port. Visitors to Ryūjōin can combine their trip with explorations of the surrounding area, including the historic port town of Uno, the scenic Shibukawa Beach, and the Tamano Marine Museum. The Tamatehime Shrine, associated with the legend of the Dragon Palace (Ryūgū), is another notable attraction in the city.

The temple is accessible by car from JR Uno Station, approximately 10 minutes' drive. From central Okayama, the JR Uno Line connects to the Tamano area in about 50 minutes. The Higashi-Taiji district is a quiet residential area, and visitors should note that the temple is an active place of worship. Goshuin (temple seal stamps) are available for pilgrims on the Kojima Shikoku Pilgrimage route.