What Is the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower?
The Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower (金剛峯寺鐘楼, Kongōbu-ji Shōrō) is a reinforced-concrete belfry built in 1958 southeast of the Kondo on the Danjo Garan, Mount Koya's central precinct in Koya Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 6, 2025.
It was built as part of the projects for the grand ceremonies marking 1,150 years since the founding of Koyasan, designed and constructed by the firm Amerikaya. It houses the great bell of the Daito, known as Koya Shiro.
Kongobuji relates that Kobo Daishi resolved to cast the bell and that it was completed in the time of his successor Shinzen. Fires repeatedly destroyed the belfry and the bell was recast about three times. The present bronze bell, finished in 1547, measures 2.12 meters across; it was once the fourth-largest in Japan, hence the name Koya Shiro, "Koya's fourth son."
Why the Kongobuji Shoro Was Registered
It was registered as a model of architectural form. The tower faces north from a high podium, with an Irimoya-zukuri roof covered in copper sheet laid over battens, and a floor area of 30 m².
The plan is three bays square, with the posts pushed out toward the corners, and it is open on all four sides. On the head beam, two-step bracket sets are placed not only on the posts but also between them, and the deep eaves use a double layer of closely spaced Taruki rafters.
The details echo the Kondo in a deliberately historical manner. Alongside the Kondo and the Konpon Daito, themselves rebuilt in reinforced concrete in the early Showa period, the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower uses modern material to arrive at an old form.
Highlights of the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower
Look up at the eaves. Brackets fill the spaces between posts, and two tiers of fine rafters carry a deep overhang. In concrete, the tower still conveys the weight of a large timber hall through the shadow under its roof.
Because the posts sit near the corners, the central bay opens wide from the front and the great bell hangs in full view, so bell and building are seen together.
Listen as well. According to Kongobuji, Koya Shiro is still struck five times a day to tell the time across the mountain: at 4:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. from the spring equinox to the autumn equinox), 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Visiting the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower
The Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower stands outdoors on the Danjo Garan, southeast of the Kondo, and can be viewed freely. There is no indication that visitors may strike the bell; it is rung by the temple to mark the hours. Time your visit to the 1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. strike to hear it.
The photography ban on the Danjo Garan covers the interiors of its halls, not the exterior of the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower.
From Kongobuji, follow the Jabara-michi path into the precinct and head for the southeast side of the Kondo.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Wakayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower
- [ Koyasan & Kumano Kodo World Heritage Trails ]
Q&A
- What is the bell in the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower called?
- Koya Shiro. Finished in 1547 and 2.12 meters in diameter, it was once the fourth-largest bell in Japan, which gave it the name.
- When does the bell at the Kongobuji Shoro ring?
- Five times daily: 4:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. between the spring and autumn equinoxes), 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
- Can visitors ring the bell at the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower?
- No such opportunity is announced. The bell is rung by the temple to mark the time.
- When was the Kongobuji Shoro registered?
- It was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 6, 2025. It was built in 1958.
- Is the Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower made of wood?
- No, it is reinforced concrete, finished with historical details such as bracket sets between the posts and double rafters.
Basic Information
| Name | Kongobuji Temple Bell Tower |
|---|---|
| Location | 152-1 Honchuindani, Koyasan, Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered August 6, 2025 (Reiwa 7) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Area 30 m² (reinforced concrete, copper roof) |
| Owner | Kongobuji Temple (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior open at all times |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties: Kongobuji Shoro
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00015495
- Agency for Cultural Affairs, Council recommendation on registered buildings (March 21, 2025)
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/koho_hodo_oshirase/hodohappyo/pdf/94187801_01.pdf
- Kongobuji: Three Danjo Garan buildings to be registered (2025)
- https://www.koyasan.or.jp/sp/news/2025/03/21/6824/
- Kongobuji: Places to see on Koyasan
- https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/
- Kongobuji: Admission fees
- https://www.koyasan.or.jp/kongobuji/charges/
- Kongobuji: Visitor guidance
- https://www.koyasan.or.jp/guidance/
Last verified: 2026.09.23
