A Momoyama Bell Tower with a Skirted Base
The Gokokuin Temple Bell Tower (護国院鐘楼) is a temple bell tower of the Momoyama period (1573 to 1614) in Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on April 23, 1908 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a bell tower 3 by 2 bays with a skirt-like lower wall, under a hip-and-gable roof of hongawara tiles; designation number 00501.
At Gokokuin, Kimiidera
The Gokokuin Temple Bell Tower at Gokokuin in Kimiidera, Wakayama City, dates from the Momoyama period (1573 to 1614): a bell tower 3 by 2 bays with a skirt-like lower wall, under a hip-and-gable roof of hongawara tiles (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Beyond its form and date, the Agency database gives no description.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
It was designated on April 23, 1908, and is now an Important Cultural Property (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
What to Look For
The bell tower with its skirt-like lower wall is the thing to see (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
No official information on visiting was found.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In the Momoyama period (1573 to 1614) (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What form is it?
- 3 by 2 bays, skirted base, hip-and-gable, hongawara tiles.
- When was it designated?
- On April 23, 1908.
- How is Kimiidera read?
- Ki-mi-i-de-ra, according to the Japan Post postcode data.
- When was the Gokokuin Temple Bell Tower designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On April 23, 1908 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Gokokuin Temple Bell Tower (護国院鐘楼) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1908/04/23 (Meiji 41) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 3 by 2 bays, skirted base, hip-and-gable, hongawara tiles |
| Owner | Gokokuin Temple |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Gokokuin Temple Bell Tower (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/2809
Last verified: 2026.10.18
