A Pagoda Painted Inside in Brilliant Colour
The Saimyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (西明寺三重塔) is the late Kamakura three-storied pagoda of Saimyoji at Ikedera, Kora Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a cypress-bark roof.
According to the Agency, it stands to the right of the main hall and is thought from its style to date from the late Kamakura period.
Form and Interior
According to the Agency, it is a pure Japanese-style pagoda with a veranda around the first storey. Each storey is three bays square, with plank doors in the centre and lattice windows at the sides. The brackets are three-stepped throughout, with intermediate struts in all three bays of the first storey, only the centre of the second and none on the third, reflecting the diminishing plan.
The temple notes that inside the first storey Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined at the centre, the four inner pillars bear the thirty-two bodhisattvas of the Diamond Realm, the walls show key passages and illustrations of the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra, and the doors show eight guardian deities, with brilliant patterns on every surface down to the rails and ceiling.
What to Look For
The Agency regrets the loss of the water-flame ornament but praises its well-ordered form, in particular its tall, taut first storey, as one of the finest Kamakura pagodas.
The temple notes that its strong diminution and close-set upper roofs give it stability and make it one of the most beautiful of all three-storied pagodas. After dismantling in 1910 and roof re-coverings in 1938 and 1973, the roof was recently re-covered again and the altar lacquer renewed.
Visiting the Saimyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda
Check visiting hours and fees on the temple's website.
The temple's history and visiting information are on the Saimyoji group page.
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Q&A
- When was the pagoda designated a National Treasure?
- On 22 November 1952.
- When was it built?
- In the late Kamakura period, judging by style.
- What is special inside?
- Dainichi at the centre and brilliantly coloured paintings on every surface.
- How is its exterior valued?
- A taut, well-ordered pagoda, among the finest of the Kamakura period.
- What repairs has it had?
- Dismantling in 1910 and roof re-coverings in 1938, 1973 and recently.
Basic Information
| Name | Saimyoji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (西明寺三重塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | 26 Ikedera, Kora Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1952/11/22 (Showa 27) |
| Quantity | 1 pagoda |
| Dimensions | Three-bay, three-storey pagoda, cypress bark roof |
| Owner | Saimyoji |
| Public Access | Check hours on the temple website |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Saimyoji Three-Storied Pagoda (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1511
- Saimyoji: Pagoda Restoration Project (Japanese)
- https://saimyouji.com/30tower/
Last verified: 2026.09.29
