A Pagoda That Stopped at the First Storey
The Kanshinji Temple Tatekake Pagoda (観心寺建掛塔) is an unfinished pagoda of 1502 in Teramoto, Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on May 15, 1972 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records three bays by three, single-storey, under a pyramidal thatched roof; designation number 01855.
A Pagoda with Only Its First Storey
The Kanshinji Temple Tatekake Pagoda is an unfinished pagoda with only its first storey (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Three bays square and single-storeyed, it is covered by a pyramidal thatched roof.
The temple says Kusunoki Masashige vowed to build a three-storey pagoda in gratitude, but died in battle at Minatogawa in 1336.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency notes its sturdy timbers, strength and quality, and calls it a valuable part of the precinct together with the Golden Hall.
What to Look For
Look at a pagoda capped by a thatched pyramid roof over its single storey, and at its heavy timbers (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Kanshinji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The five buildings, visiting and access are covered on the Kanshinji Temple page. According to the temple, it is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30), and admission is 300 yen for adults.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1502 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Why is it called tatekake, "half-built"?
- Because it is a pagoda left with only its first storey.
- What is the roof?
- A pyramidal thatched roof.
- Is it linked to Kusunoki Masashige?
- The temple says he vowed to build a three-storey pagoda but died in 1336.
- When was the Kanshinji Temple Tatekake Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On May 15, 1972 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kanshinji Temple Tatekake Pagoda (観心寺建掛塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Teramoto, Kawachinagano City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1972/05/15 (Showa 47) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 3 × 3 bays, single storey, pyramidal thatched roof |
| Owner | Kanshinji Temple |
| Public Access | Open 9:00-17:00, adults 300 yen (Kanshinji) |
References
- Kanshinji Temple Tatekake Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/2188
- Visiting information (Kanshinji official site, Japanese)
- https://www.kanshinji.com/haikan.html
- About Kanshinji (Kanshinji official site, Japanese)
- https://www.kanshinji.com/rekisi.html
Last verified: 2026.10.21
