Jorakuji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda

A Perfectly Proportioned Muromachi Pagoda

The Jorakuji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (常楽寺三重塔) is the mid-Muromachi three-storied pagoda of Jorakuji in Nishidera, Konan City, Shiga Prefecture, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a traditional tile roof.

According to the Agency, a fundraising record of 1398 and a tile inscribed in 1400 fix its date.

Proportions

According to the Agency, it stands on higher ground behind and to the left of the main hall, 4.56 metres wide at the base and 22.8 metres high, a standard size. The finial is exactly one third of the total height, and the height five times the base width, both average values among surviving pagodas.

The bays follow a clear rafter-spacing plan: 15 shaku across the base, divided into 12 spacings in the centre and 10 at the sides, reduced by two and one respectively on each storey above. Apart from the inner altar, it is in pure, highly orthodox Japanese style.

What to Look For

The Agency finds it interesting that a Tendai temple's pagoda has portraits of the eight Shingon patriarchs painted on its inner boards. A textbook pagoda of traditional technique, with balanced proportions and an orderly spacing plan, it is a representative Muromachi pagoda.

The tourism association points to the perfect balance of the 23-metre tower and the fine lines of its rafters.

Visiting the Jorakuji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda

The tourism association reports that as of May 2026 visits are by reservation on weekends only because of works.

The temple's history and visiting information are on the Jorakuji group page.