A School Shrine Modelled on Shinto Architecture
The Satsukawa Elementary School Former Hoanden (薩川小学校旧奉安殿) is a reinforced concrete hoanden built in 1935 on the grounds of the elementary school at Satsukawa, Setouchi Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, which in 2006 was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey concrete structure with a sheet-metal roof and a building area of 3.5 square metres, with a platform and fence, owned by Setouchi Town and registered as a model of design.
The Agency explains that it housed the imperial portrait and the Imperial Rescript on Education.
Structure
According to the Agency, it stands in the southeast corner of the school grounds facing west, on a lower platform with a fence and an upper platform with an upturned railing.
It is a gabled concrete building entered on the long side, with square posts moulded at the corners, a lintel running round and widely spaced single rafters at the eaves.
What to Look For
The Agency notes that it is modelled on Shinto shrine architecture and remains in good condition. Look at how the concrete reproduces the lintels and rafters of a timber shrine.
The small building raised on two platforms shows the formality accorded to a hoanden.
Visiting the Satsukawa Elementary School Former Hoanden
It stands on school grounds, so take care not to disturb school activities. No official information on visiting conditions could be found.
Enquiries go to the Setouchi Town board of education.
Q&A
- When was the Satsukawa hoanden built?
- In 1935.
- What is a hoanden?
- A small building that housed the imperial portrait and the Imperial Rescript on Education.
- What is special about the Satsukawa hoanden?
- A concrete gabled building modelled on shrine architecture, raised on two platforms.
- How is 薩川 read?
- Satsukawa.
- Where is it?
- In the southeast corner of the school grounds at Satsukawa, Setouchi Town.
Basic Information
| Name | Satsukawa Elementary School Former Hoanden (薩川小学校旧奉安殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | Satsukawa, Setouchi Town, Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2006/8/3 (Heisei 18) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, single storey, sheet-metal roof, building area 3.5 square metres, with platform and fence |
| Owner | Setouchi Town |
| Public Access | No official visitor information found |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Satsukawa Elementary School Former Hoanden (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00005693
- Cultural Heritage Online: Satsukawa Elementary School Former Hoanden (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/142961
Last verified: 2026.09.28