Shinkoji Temple Three-Story Pagoda

Shinko-ji Three-Storied Pagoda: A Muromachi Masterpiece in Bizen

Rising gracefully above the hillside town of Nishi-Katakami in Bizen City, the Three-Storied Pagoda of Shinko-ji Temple is one of Okayama Prefecture's most treasured architectural landmarks. Standing 18.24 meters tall, this elegant pagoda was originally constructed during the mid-Muromachi period (15th century) and relocated to its current site in 1613. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1953, the pagoda embodies the refined craftsmanship and spiritual devotion of medieval Japanese Buddhist architecture.

History of Shinko-ji Temple

Shinko-ji Temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism, with the mountain name Otaki-san. According to temple tradition, it was founded in 739 (Tenpyo 11) by the revered monk Gyoki, who enshrined a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) at the site. During the Tenpyo Shoho era (749–757), the eminent priest Hoon Daishi added the temple to the prestigious Bizen Forty-Eight Temples by imperial decree of Empress Koken.

The temple suffered decline during the Nanbokucho period (14th century) due to civil war, but was revived during the Oei era (1394–1428) by the priest Ryoshu Hoin. After a period of further decline during the Sengoku (Warring States) era, the temple was restored once more under the patronage of the Okayama Domain during the Edo period. In 1602, the abbot Shin'noin Seie Shonin was invited to Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto, where he received a character from Ninna-ji's alternate name "Omuro," and the mountain name was changed from Kotaki-san to Otaki-san. Today, two sub-temples—Kezo-in and Jisho-in—remain as part of the Shinko-ji complex.

The Three-Storied Pagoda: Architectural Significance

The Three-Storied Pagoda of Shinko-ji is a three-bay (sanken) structure roofed with traditional hon-kawara (formal tile) roofing. It was built during the mid-Muromachi period and was originally located at Renka-choji Temple in Ushimado, present-day Setouchi City. In 1613 (Keicho 18), the pagoda was carefully dismantled, transported, and reassembled at Shinko-ji—a remarkable feat of premodern engineering.

The eaves feature an elegant double-layered arrangement of closely spaced rafters known as futanoki shige-daruki, a hallmark of refined Japanese temple construction. On the first story, each face of the pagoda is adorned with kaerumata (frog-leg struts) in the central bay, displaying carved Sanskrit seed syllables (shuji) set within moon-disc motifs (gatsurin). The side bays feature minozuka (sheaf-bundle struts). Central bays are fitted with ita-karado (board-paneled doors), while the flanking bays have renji-mado (lattice windows). A decorative balustrade with giboshi (onion-shaped finials) encircles each story.

The interior features two raigo-bashira (welcoming pillars) that support a raigo-heki (welcoming wall), behind which stands a shumidan (Buddhist altar platform). Enshrined upon the altar is a seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairochana), carved from three blocks of wax stone (roseki) by the Momoyama-period sculptor Yagi Jokei. This exquisite statue reflects the esoteric Buddhist tradition central to the Shingon sect.

Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property

The Three-Storied Pagoda was designated as a national Important Cultural Property on November 14, 1953, along with the temple's Main Hall. Several factors contributed to this prestigious designation.

The pagoda is a well-preserved example of mid-Muromachi period religious architecture. Its kaerumata carvings with Sanskrit seed syllables are characteristic of the architectural style of that era and provide valuable evidence for dating the structure. The successful relocation from Ushimado in 1613, documented by an accompanying ridge-pole plaque (munafuda), demonstrates the sophisticated building techniques of the early Edo period. The structure retains its original proportions and key architectural elements, making it an important reference for understanding the evolution of pagoda design in western Japan.

Highlights and What to See

Visitors to Shinko-ji will find a rich cultural landscape beyond the pagoda itself. The vermillion-painted pagoda is particularly stunning when viewed from the approach path, framed against the hillside greenery. Its vivid color and graceful silhouette can even be spotted from JR Nishi-Katakami Station, offering an inviting preview of what lies ahead.

The Main Hall (Hondo), also designated as an Important Cultural Property, dates from the late Muromachi period and was renovated in 1516 (Eisho 13). Its sweeping roof line and imposing oni-gawara (demon-faced roof tiles) create a commanding presence. The Nio-mon (Deva Gate), rebuilt in 1711 (Hoei 8), stands on the south side of the JR railway line, a reminder of the temple's once-expansive grounds. The Kezo-in Main Gate, built in 1701 in the style of a warrior-class residence, is a four-legged gate with a distinctive kirizuma (gabled) roof.

The temple grounds are dotted with stone stupas, stone Buddhist statues, and a two-story bell tower (shoro) with an elegant hakama-kabe (skirt wall). Seasonal beauty enhances every visit—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and autumn foliage provide ever-changing backdrops to these historic structures.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Bizen City is renowned as the home of Bizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient kiln traditions with over 1,000 years of history. The Imbe district, just a few train stops from Shinko-ji, is filled with pottery studios, galleries, and climbing kilns where visitors can experience hands-on clay-shaping workshops. Tensu Shrine in Imbe features an entire precinct decorated with Bizen-ware—from its paving stones and roof tiles to its guardian lion-dogs.

The Special Historic Site of the Former Shizutani School, approximately 20 minutes by car from Shinko-ji, is one of Japan's most remarkable educational heritage sites. Founded in 1670 by the domain lord Ikeda Mitsumasa for commoner education, its National Treasure lecture hall with distinctive Bizen-ware roof tiles is a masterpiece of Edo-period architecture. In autumn, the Chinese pistachio trees on the grounds blaze with red and gold foliage.

Chasuyama Park, located near the temple, offers panoramic views of Katakami Bay and the Seto Inland Sea. For seafood enthusiasts, the Hinase area of Bizen City is famous for its fresh oysters, especially during winter, and the lively Gomi-no-Ichi fish market is a must-visit destination.