A Gate with a Vase-Shaped Strut
The Gokurakuji Temple Niomon Gate (極樂寺仁王門) is a two-storey gate at the foot of a hill of 1728 in Yachiyoku Nakanoma, Taka Town, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on March 29, 2013 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a two-storey timber gate with a tiled roof and a building area of 21 square metres; registration number 28-0561.
Daibutsu-Style Details and a Vase-Shaped Strut
The Niomon Gate of Gokurakuji stands at the east end of the precinct at the foot of a hill; it is a three-bay, single-passage two-storey gate with a hip-and-gable roof of full tiles (Agency for Cultural Affairs). On the lower storey, boat-shaped bracket arms set on three-part brackets carry the ceiling beams.
Saucered bearing blocks and moulded bracket ends bring in details of the Daibutsu style, and a strut shaped like a vase stands on the tie beam under the ridge, giving the gate a distinctive form (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency notes it as a two-storey gate of distinctive form, and registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
Look for the vase-shaped strut on the tie beam under the ridge and the Daibutsu-style bracketing (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Gokurakuji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official visiting information was found.
Q&A
- When was the gate built?
- In 1728 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What kind of gate is it?
- A three-bay, single-passage two-storey gate with full tiles.
- What is distinctive about it?
- A vase-shaped strut on the tie beam under the ridge.
- Where does it stand?
- At the east end of the precinct at the foot of a hill.
- When was the Gokurakuji Temple Niomon Gate registered?
- On March 29, 2013 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Gokurakuji Temple Niomon Gate (極樂寺仁王門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 213-3 Yachiyoku Nakanoma, Taka Town, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2013/03/29 (Heisei 25) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Two-storey timber, tiled roof, 21 m² |
| Owner | Gokurakuji Temple |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Gokurakuji Temple Niomon Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00009522
Last verified: 2026.10.23