五角堂, Pentagonal temple in Tsukuba, Japan
The Gokakudo is a five-sided temple with equal walls and interior angles measuring approximately 108 degrees. The building rises about 6 meters high and features an earthen floor inside, designed without windows in its walls.
The structure was built during the Edo period under the direction of village headman Igashichi Iizuka. Throughout its history, it housed a gear-operated threshing machine and a device for measuring time.
The temple serves as a gathering place where the community comes together for local events and celebrations. Inside, visitors can see how traditional agricultural tools were once used in daily work.
The building can be reached by taking the Kanto Railway Bus to Yatabe-Yotsukado stop or by driving via the Joban Expressway to Yatabe Interchange. The location is relatively straightforward to find if you focus on these transportation options.
The building has two entrances on its western and northwestern sides, reflecting its unusual pentagonal shape. This asymmetrical arrangement was deliberately designed to support the original functional purpose.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
