A Shin Buddhist Hall of 1822
The Chohoji Temple Main Hall (長法寺本堂, Chōhō-ji hondō) is the main hall of Chohoji in Tano Town, Aki District, Kochi Prefecture, built in 1822 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on December 1, 2003 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey timber hall with a tiled roof and a building area of 149 square metres; registration number 39-0093, owned by the religious corporation Chohoji.
Why It Was Registered
The Chohoji Temple Main Hall was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it a good example of a late Edo-period Shin Buddhist main hall in the Aki area.
What to Look For
The hall is 5.5 bays by 6, with a one-bay entrance canopy projecting at the front. The hip-and-gable roof is pantiled, the eaves have a single layer of widely spaced rafters, the bracket sets are simple three-bearing blocks, and frog-leg struts fill the spaces between them (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Inside, a one-bay strip across the front and half-bay strips down the sides form an aisle, and an area 4.5 bays by 2.5 serves as the outer sanctuary (Agency for Cultural Affairs). A large outer sanctuary for the congregation is typical of Shin Buddhist halls.
Visiting
The Chohoji Temple Main Hall is a working temple building, and no interior opening has been announced. Please be considerate of the temple and worshippers when viewing it.
An overview of the temple and its old plum tree is on the group page Chohoji Temple.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kochi
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Chohoji Temple Main Hall
- [ Katsurahama Beach & Kochi Castle Ryoma Tour ]
Q&A
- When was the Chohoji Temple Main Hall built?
- In 1822 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Chohoji Temple Main Hall?
- 5.5 bays by 6, with a building area of 149 square metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What are its architectural features?
- A pantiled hip-and-gable roof with a one-bay entrance canopy, simple three-bearing bracket sets and frog-leg struts between them (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the interior laid out?
- An aisle along the front and sides, and an outer sanctuary 4.5 bays by 2.5 for worshippers (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Chohoji Temple Main Hall registered?
- On December 1, 2003, the same day as the Chohoji Temple Gate.
Basic Information
| Name | Chohoji Temple Main Hall (長法寺本堂) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1894 Tano Town, Aki District, Kochi Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2003/12/01 (Heisei 15) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber building, tiled roof, building area 149 square metres |
| Owner | Chohoji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Temple main hall (no interior opening announced) |
References
- Chohoji Temple Main Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003736
- Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, structures (Kochi Prefecture, Japanese)
- https://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/doc/2023062200186/
Last verified: 2026.10.14
