A Unique Two-Storey Pagoda from Osaka
The Kirihataji Temple Great Pagoda (切幡寺大塔) is a two-storey pagoda moved from the shrine-temple of Sumiyoshi Taisha of 1618 in Ichibacho Kirihata, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 23, 1975 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a two-storey pagoda five bays square on the lower storey, with roofs of full tiles; designation number 01970.
A One-of-a-Kind Pagoda Moved from Osaka
The Great Pagoda of Kirihataji is the western pagoda of the shrine-temple of Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, moved here in the early Meiji years (Agency for Cultural Affairs). A two-storey pagoda five bays square below and three bays square above, it is unusual in both plan and form and the only one of its kind in Japan.
The Agency notes that pagodas of this kind are thought to have existed in the Tendai school.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency notes that, as the only surviving example of its unusual plan and form, it provides important evidence for the meaning and history of pagodas in Japan.
What to Look For
Look at the unique form, a five-bay lower storey carrying a three-bay upper storey (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Kirihataji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on visiting hours was found.
Q&A
- When was the pagoda built?
- In 1618 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where did it stand originally?
- At the shrine-temple of Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, moved in the early Meiji years.
- Why is it unusual?
- Its five-bay lower and three-bay upper storeys are unique in Japan.
- Where is it?
- At Kirihataji in Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture.
- When was the Kirihataji Temple Great Pagoda designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On June 23, 1975 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kirihataji Temple Great Pagoda (切幡寺大塔) |
|---|---|
| Location | Ichibacho Kirihata, Awa City, Tokushima Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1975/06/23 (Showa 50) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Two-storey pagoda, five bays below, full tiles |
| Owner | Kirihataji Temple |
| Public Access | No official information on visiting hours |
References
- Kirihataji Temple Great Pagoda (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/3268
Last verified: 2026.10.23