The working heart of the temple
Every temple needs a kuri, the kitchen and living block where the resident priests actually run the place. At Shokoji this building stands to the southeast of the guest hall's entrance stage, facing west, and it is one of the larger structures in the compound at about 245 square metres over two floors.
It is a timber building under a hip-and-gable roof of pantiles, presenting a broad gable to the west with an added pent roof, and its entrance and inner entrance open on this side. This is the face the household shows to the working part of the temple.
A modern kuri, plainly detailed
The gable end repays a look. Above the pent roof the upper section is dressed with short struts, tie beams and boat-shaped bracket arms, while the lower section is clad in weatherboarding and pierced by large latticed windows. It is a clear, functional composition, and the registry describes the building as an example of a modern kuri.
It was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2011 as a structure contributing to the historic landscape. Unlike the ornate guest hall, the kuri earns its place through honest carpentry suited to daily work.
How to see it
The kuri remains the working living quarters of the temple, so its interior is private and not open to visitors. Its west gable, however, is part of the everyday face of the compound and can be appreciated from the precinct.
For interiors and closer viewing, the memorial area on the west side is the place to go. The Chiyo-ni Hall and Sofu-an tea hut stand there in the open, and the relic hall of the poet's belongings can be entered for a small admission charge.
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Q&A
- What is a kuri?
- It is the kitchen and living quarters of a temple, where the resident priests live and manage daily affairs.
- How large is Shokoji's kuri?
- It is about 245 square metres over two floors, one of the larger buildings in the compound, built in 1918.
- What is notable about its appearance?
- Its west gable combines a decorated upper section of struts and boat-shaped brackets with a weatherboarded lower section and large latticed windows.
- Can I go inside?
- No; it is the temple's private living quarters. The Chiyo-ni memorial buildings nearby are open to visitors.
- When was it registered?
- In 2011, as a national tangible cultural property contributing to the historic landscape.
Basic Information
| Name | Shokoji Kuri (Priests' Quarters) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan |
| Classification | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (national register) |
| Registration date | January 26, 2011 |
| Registration no. | 17-0214 |
| Registration criterion | Contributing to the nation's historic landscape |
| Era | 1918 (Taisho 7) |
| Structure | Two-storey timber structure, tiled roof, floor area 245 m² |
| Count | 1 building |
| Owner | Religious corporation Shokoji |
| Public access | Active temple; interior not routinely open. The Chiyo-ni Hall, Sofu-an tea hut and relic hall (small fee) are open to visitors. |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs National Cultural Properties Database
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00008443
- Kaga no Chiyojo | Hakusan City
- https://www.city.hakusan.lg.jp/bunka/bunkashinko/1002773/1002775/index.html
- Shokoji | Urara Hakusanbito Tourism
- https://www.urara-hakusanbito.com/spot/detail_1100.html
- Shokoji Official Site
- https://shokoji.jp/
Last verified: 2026.07.11