A Carved Stone Screen Gate of 1938
The Kumano Shrine Mekakushi Gate (熊野神社目隠門) is a stone screen gate set squarely in front of the worship hall of 1938 in Yaotsu, Yaotsu Town, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on October 9, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
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The Agency records a stone screen wall 3 metres wide and 2 metres high; registration number 21-0017.
A Stone Gate Screening the Hall
The Mekakushi Gate of Kumano Shrine in Yaotsu is a stone gate of 1938 that stands squarely in front of the worship hall, as if to screen it (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It takes a simple form, a roof carried on two main posts braced by small rear posts.
The upper part of its face is carved in relief with a dragon over waves, the lower part with lions, and the centre is filled with a lattice (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The Agency notes that it is known as an unusual gate.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
At the Mekakushi Gate of Kumano Shrine, look for the dragon over waves, the lions below and the lattice at the centre (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The Mekakushi Gate of Kumano Shrine is owned by Kurose-gumi, a community group of Yaotsu Town (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on visiting was found.
Q&A
- When was it made?
- In 1938 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where does it stand?
- Right in front of the worship hall.
- What is carved on it?
- A dragon over waves and lions.
- How big is it?
- 3 metres wide and 2 metres high.
- When was the Kumano Shrine Mekakushi Gate registered?
- On October 9, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Kumano Shrine Mekakushi Gate (熊野神社目隠門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 4102-1 Yaotsu, Yaotsu Town, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/10/09 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Stone screen wall, 3 m wide, 2 m high |
| Owner | Kurose-gumi, Yaotsu Town |
| Public Access | No official information on access |
References
- Kumano Shrine Mekakushi Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000827
Last verified: 2026.10.30