About the Daishoji South Earthen Wall
The Daishoji South Earthen Wall (大聖寺南面築地) is the earthen wall of the late Edo period at Daishoji, an imperial Zen convent in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on January 26, 2011.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as an earthen wall with a tiled coping, 66 metres long; registration number 26-0359, owned by the religious corporation Daishoji. Nine of the convent's buildings and walls were registered on the same day (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Daishoji South Earthen Wall was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes its weighty presence, showing the dignity of an early modern imperial convent.
What to Look For
The Daishoji South Earthen Wall runs along the lane on the south side of the grounds, from the front gate west to the neighbouring boundary, 66 metres in all (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
It is capped with hongawara tiles and carries five white lines on the lane side. Towards the west is a gateway 1.8 metres wide with double doors, the "gate of impurity" (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting the Daishoji South Earthen Wall
According to the Japan Tourism Agency commentary, Daishoji remains an active convent and is closed to the public except for occasional special exhibitions. The front gate and earthen walls can be seen from Karasuma-dori and the lane to the south. The address is 109-1 Goshohachiman-cho, Karasuma-dori Kamidachiuri-sagaru, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto.
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Q&A
- When was the Daishoji South Earthen Wall built?
- In the late Edo period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How long is the Daishoji South Earthen Wall?
- 66 metres in all (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What gateway is in the Daishoji South Earthen Wall?
- A 1.8-metre gateway with double doors, the gate of impurity (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Daishoji South Earthen Wall registered?
- On January 26, 2011.
- Can you visit the Daishoji South Earthen Wall?
- Daishoji is normally closed, opening only for special exhibitions (Japan Tourism Agency); the gate and walls can be seen from the street.
Basic Information
| Name | Daishoji South Earthen Wall (大聖寺南面築地) |
|---|---|
| Location | 109-1 Goshohachiman-cho, Karasuma-dori Kamidachiuri-sagaru, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2011/1/26 (Heisei 23) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | An earthen wall with a tiled coping, 66 metres long |
| Owner | Daishoji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Normally closed (open for special exhibitions) |
References
- Daishoji South Earthen Wall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00008507
- Daishoji Temple (Japan Tourism Agency)
- https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/en/R2-01451.html
Last verified: 2026.10.07
