Three-story Pagoda — Attraction in Narita

The Three-Story Pagoda at Naritasan Shinshoji

Standing before the Three-Story Pagoda, I felt as if I was looking not only at a religious monument but also at a jewel box of Japanese architectural mastery from the Edo period. Originally built in 1712, the pagoda has survived more than three centuries, carrying with it the devotion, artistry, and symbolism of a time when Buddhist architecture was at its most vibrant. It is officially designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is easy to see why.

Architecturally, the pagoda embodies the perfection of Edo craftsmanship. Each of its three stories narrows elegantly as they ascend, a rhythm of proportion and balance that makes the tall structure feel both monumental and graceful. The rooflines are built in the irimoya style (hip-and-gable), their sweeping curves accentuated by meticulously arranged tiles. Rising from the very top is the sōrin, the bronze spire that symbolizes the axis of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Its segmented rings represent the stages of enlightenment, a constant reminder of the spiritual purpose behind the architectural grandeur.

What makes this pagoda especially captivating is its ornamentation. Unlike some plainer Zen structures, this pagoda bursts with color and detail, reflecting the ornate taste of the Tokugawa era. The brackets and eaves are decorated with intricate carvings of mythical beasts—dragons, lions, phoenixes—guardians of sacred space. Painted clouds and wave patterns swirl under the eaves, giving the sense that the building itself floats between heaven and earth. Gilded accents catch the sunlight, making the structure shimmer like a treasure chest.

Historically, pagodas in Japan were built as reliquaries, symbolic towers that enshrined sacred texts or relics of the Buddha. While this particular pagoda is more symbolic than functional, it stands as a representation of the Buddhist universe—each tier reflecting elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and space. Its presence within the Naritasan complex emphasizes the temple’s long-standing role as a spiritual center since its founding in 940 CE.

In its position beside the Great Main Hall, the Three-Story Pagoda feels like a counterpoint—while the Main Hall is solemn and massive, the pagoda is vibrant and expressive. Walking around it, I was struck by how it harmonized with the larger temple grounds while still drawing attention as a masterpiece on its own. It is not just a building; it is a sermon in wood, lacquer, and gold.

On a personal level, I found myself imagining the artisans who built and repainted it across centuries. Their brushstrokes, chisels, and gold leaf applications remain alive in this structure, whispering across time. To stand before it is to witness the endurance of faith and beauty, a fusion of architecture and spirituality that has survived wars, earthquakes, and countless...

Such a nice attraction , just 15 mins walk from Narita station. Just walk follow the shop line Omotesando street all the way to the temple. It is one of the best known temples in the Kanto region, dedicated to UNMOVED WISDOM KING 🤴, often called a FIRE GOD 🔥, he is associated with fire rituals.

Environment : As you know cleanliness is part of Japanese culture, Most first-time visitors to Japan are struck by how clean the country is, I visit Japan so many times and I’m still impressed with their cleanliness.

Food : Food is awesome and affordable. While walking to Naritasan temple please try their Matcha ice cream 🍦and grilled eel, the taste is awesome !!

People : Most of them are genuinely friendly even though there is a communication barrier, but don’t worry try google translate 👍🏼

Other than that : Just bring some cash, they also have preloved shop that requires cash only, the price is more...

This is a really nice and beautiful place! We had a couple of hours to kill in Narita, so we decided to visit here. The walk from JR Narita Station it the temple is a really nice walk where the entire path is filled with all kinds of shops, from Japanese souvenirs to restaurants and snacks shops. The narrow street combined with the Japanese traditional house look make it a beautiful place to take photo. At the end of the walk you will be rewarded with the temple grounds, which is huge. There are multiple temples and pagodas within it and they even have a huge garden where you can enjoy nature. Really a great place to explore with couple of hours to kill. Nearer to the temple there are lots of Japanese restaurant which specializes in Unagi (Eel) and the smell wafting from these...