The Red Gate of the Lucky Man Race
The Nishinomiya Shrine Omote-daimon (Main Gate) (西宮神社表大門) is a Momoyama-period four-legged gate at Nishinomiya Shrine in Shakecho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, designated under the old system in 1926 and now an Important Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a four-legged gate with a gabled roof of traditional tile.
The shrine notes that it is painted red all over and is known as the Akamon, the red gate.
Structure
The Agency records a four-legged gate with a gabled roof of traditional tile.
The shrine describes it as surviving Momoyama architecture, said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyori between 1604 and 1609.
What to Look For
The shrine notes that at 6:00 a.m. on 10 January each year, about 5,000 people race from this gate to the main hall in the gate-opening rite that chooses the year's lucky man.
The red gate and the great earthen wall on either side form the shrine's front.
Visiting
The gate is the eastern entrance to the grounds and can be passed through during opening hours.
The shrine's history, the layout of the grounds, directions and opening hours are on the Nishinomiya Shrine group page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Hyogo
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Nishinomiya Shrine Omote-daimon (Main Gate)
- [ Himeji Castle & Kobe Night View Cruise ]
Q&A
- When was the Omote-daimon built?
- In the Momoyama period; the shrine says it was donated by Toyotomi Hideyori between 1604 and 1609.
- Why is it called the red gate?
- Because it is painted red all over.
- What type of gate is it?
- A four-legged gate with a gabled roof of traditional tile.
- What is the lucky man race?
- At 6:00 a.m. on 10 January, about 5,000 people run from this gate to the main hall.
- When was the Omote-daimon designated?
- On 19 April 1926; it is now an Important Cultural Property.
Basic Information
| Name | Nishinomiya Shrine Omote-daimon (Main Gate) (西宮神社表大門) |
|---|---|
| Location | Shakecho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1926/4/19 (Taisho 15) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Four-legged gate, gabled, traditional tile roof |
| Owner | Nishinomiya Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Viewable within the grounds |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Nishinomiya Shrine Omote-daimon (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/2356
- Nishinomiya Shrine: Precinct Guide (Japanese)
- https://nishinomiya-ebisu.com/guide/guide-2/
Last verified: 2026.09.28
