Koshoji Temple Nagoya: Guide to the Iconic 5-Story Pagoda in Yagoto

05/01/2026

When visiting temples or shrines in Japan, please remember that these are sacred places. Any behavior that shows disrespect — such as touching sacred objects, entering restricted areas, or making noise — can be seen as both culturally offensive and legally punishable under Japanese law (Article 188 of the Penal Code).

This shrine is part of our Nagoya Shrines and Temples Guide, which introduces the most important religious sites in Nagoya.

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Strolling around the grounds of this temple is truly enjoyable.

Kōshōji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple founded in 1688. It’s located a 5-minute walk from Yagoto Station. With spacious grounds, it’s perfect for a stroll. If you visit on a weekday, there are usually few visitors, making it an ideal spot to enjoy peacefully.

Just after entering from the main road, you’ll find a gate known as the Chūmon (Middle Gate).

Passing through the Chūmon, you’ll see a five-story pagoda on your right. Built in 1808, this wooden structure is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The photo above shows the main hall. I visited in the evening, so it was decorated with many small lanterns around it, beautifully lit up.

If you proceed to the right from the main hall, you’ll come across a long staircase.

At the highest point, past the cemetery, stands the Dainichidō Hall. Inside the Dainichidō Hall, there is a bronze statue commissioned in 1697 by Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari Tokugawa family, to honor his mother. Kōshōji Temple has several other historical buildings as well, so a full tour of the site takes about 50 minutes.

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I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.