What a hama-en is
A hama-en is a low veranda projecting in front of a shrine Kōhai. It sits at the foot of the wooden steps, one level below the Kirime-en that runs round the hall.
Records name it among the specifications of the canopy. The Suwa hall at Shimo-Imai in Nagano Prefecture, built in 1750, is described as a single-bay Nagare-zukuri hall originally shingled, with double rows of closely spaced Taruki, round columns to the body and square ones to the canopy, and one of these verandas, its interior divided between inner and outer areas, its gently curved Ebi-kōryō and mouldings indicating its period, and its pierced Ranma of hares among waves and its crested Kaerumata finely designed.
The Hachiman hall beside it, built in 1790, is described in the same terms with a more strongly curved beam and richer mouldings, indicating a different period. Both are recorded as having this veranda.
Round columns to the body and square ones to the canopy is a recurring distinction. This veranda lies in front of the canopy, so it is the outermost floor of the building.
Levels of veranda
A shrine hall has verandas at more than one level. The plank veranda round the body sits highest; this one sits at the foot of the steps. Worshippers may reach it while the higher veranda stays out of use.
Asao Shrine in Nagano Prefecture, built in 1859, is described as a single-bay hall of the same form under copper sheet, with double rows of closely spaced rafters, a plank veranda on three sides with side screens, steps, and this veranda beyond them. The three are listed in order, descending outward.
A Kōran normally runs round the higher veranda and not this one. The presence or absence of a railing marks the difference between them.
On site, look below the canopy. A lower boarded platform projecting at the foot of the steps is the feature, and the change of level shows plainly from the side.
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs: National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties (structures)
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/kokuho_bunkazai.html
- National Cultural Properties Database: Shimo-Imai Suwa Shrine, a low outer veranda before its canopy
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00014359
- National Cultural Properties Database: Shimo-Imai Hachiman hall, with a low outer veranda and a strongly curved connecting beam
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00014360
- National Cultural Properties Database: Asao Shrine, richly carved brackets beneath the canopy beam
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00014363
Last verified: 2026.09.11