Kozenji Temple Sanmon Gate
The Kozenji Temple Sanmon Gate (興禅寺山門) is a building of 1939 at Kozenji in Haguro, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture, and it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 3, 2006, under registration number 23-0224. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a timber gate with a tiled roof, 3.6 metres wide, with walls on either side.
Why It Was Registered
The Kozenji Temple Sanmon Gate was registered as a model of design. According to the Agency, it is a four-legged gate with a gabled tiled roof, facing south in front of the main hall, with L-shaped earthen walls extending to either side.
The main posts are round and the rear posts square, with three-block brackets; the gable is decorated with a rainbow beam, vase-shaped strut and scrolled panels, and the eaves have closely spaced double rafters. All the finish timber is zelkova, and the Agency praises the beautifully grained flat ceiling and the precise, flowing ornament as an excellent piece of design.
What to Look For
Look at the zelkova grain. The ceiling is a flat panel of beautifully grained wood, and all the finish timber is zelkova (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Note the carving of the gable's rainbow beam, vase-shaped strut and scrolled panels, and the closely spaced double rafters: precise work by early Showa temple carpenters. The L-shaped earthen walls on either side set off the gate.
Visiting
The temple's history and access are on the Kozenji Temple (Haguro, Inuyama) page. No official information was found on access to the interiors.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Aichi
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kozenji Temple Sanmon Gate
- [ Nagoya Castle & Atsuta Shrine History Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the Kozenji gate built?
- In 1939.
- When was it registered?
- On August 3, 2006, as registration number 23-0224.
- What kind of gate is it?
- A four-legged gate with a gabled tiled roof and L-shaped earthen walls on either side.
- What should I look for?
- The all-zelkova finish, the beautifully grained flat ceiling and the fine ornament.
- Can I see the gate?
- It stands at the front of the grounds and can be seen from outside.
Basic Information
| Name | Kozenji Temple Sanmon Gate (興禅寺山門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 16 Shiroyashiki, Haguro, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture (Kozenji) |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/8/3, registration no. 23-0224 |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Timber, tiled roof, width 3.6 metres, with side walls |
| Owner | Kozenji |
| Public Access | No interior access information |
References
- 興禅寺山門 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005620
- Kozenji (Inuyama Cultural Heritage Navi, Inuyama City)
- https://inuyama-tabi.com/point/detail/221/
Last verified: 2026.10.05
