A Sturdy Stone Torii of 1659
The Bairin Tenmangu Shrine Torii (梅林天満宮鳥居) is a stone torii gate of 1659 in Tsuru, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on September 19, 2003 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a stone gate 4.8 metres high, altered in 1928; registration number 43-0057.
A Myojin Torii with Stout Pillars
The Bairin Tenmangu Shrine Torii is a stone gate of the myojin type, with the tops of its pillars carved into collars (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The pillars are about 73 centimetres across at the foot, and they lean noticeably inward.
The Agency dates it to 1659 and notes that it has been altered several times, including in 1928.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency notes the stout members and regional proportions, and calls the gate an imposing front to the shrine and the centrepiece of the local landscape; it was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
Look for the pillars, about 73 centimetres across at the foot, and their carved collars at the top (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Bairin Tenmangu Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The four registered structures are introduced together on the Bairin Tenmangu Shrine page. No official visiting information was found.
Q&A
- When was the torii built?
- In 1659, with later alterations including one in 1928 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is it?
- It is 4.8 metres high, with pillars about 73 centimetres across at the foot.
- What is distinctive about it?
- A myojin-type stone torii with carved collars and regional proportions.
- Where is Bairin Tenmangu Shrine?
- In Tsuru, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
- When was the Bairin Tenmangu Shrine Torii registered?
- On September 19, 2003 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Bairin Tenmangu Shrine Torii (梅林天満宮鳥居) |
|---|---|
| Location | 499 Tsuru, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2003/09/19 (Heisei 15) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone, 4.8 m high |
| Owner | Bairin Tenmangu Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Bairin Tenmangu Shrine Torii (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003637
Last verified: 2026.10.20
