A large yakuimon on the east approach
The Imamiya Shrine East Gate (今宮神社東門, Imamiya Jinja Higashimon) is a yakuimon gate of 1881 facing the eastern approach to Imamiya Shrine in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/03/27. Flanked by earthen walls to north and south, it is the shrine's eastern entrance.
Imamiya Shrine has two gates into its grounds. The Tower Gate on the south front dates from 1926, so the Imamiya Shrine East Gate, 45 years older, was welcoming worshippers long before the main gate existed.
Massive posts and four beams
It is a yakuimon, a gate type with heavy main posts set forward of centre and lighter rear posts behind, under a gabled roof of traditional tiles. The opening is 4.1 metres wide, with a wicket door on each side.
The main posts are thick timbers of rectangular section. A lintel spans them and four beams run back to carry the purlins. In the gables an inverted V-strut sits on the beam, and on the inner beam stands a vase-shaped post. Every member is heavy, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as a large gate with a weighty presence suited to the entrance of an ancient shrine.
What to look for, and visiting
Anyone may walk through the Imamiya Shrine East Gate. From the eastern approach, look at it straight on to see how the main posts and four beams carry the roof.
Beneath the gate, look up at the vase-shaped post on the inner beam. Once inside, turn round to see the gate and the walls running north and south as one composition. Directions are on the Imamiya Shrine page.
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Q&A
- When was the Imamiya Shrine East Gate built?
- In 1881, 45 years before the Tower Gate on the south front.
- What type of gate is the Imamiya Shrine East Gate?
- A yakuimon with a gabled tiled roof, 4.1 metres wide, with wicket doors on either side.
- What should I look for at the Imamiya Shrine East Gate?
- The thick main posts, the four beams, and the struts in the gable and on the inner beam.
- Can I walk through the Imamiya Shrine East Gate?
- Yes. It is the eastern entrance to the grounds.
- Are the walls beside the Imamiya Shrine East Gate also registered?
- Yes. The north and south tsukiji walls are registered separately.
Basic Information
| Name | Imamiya Shrine East Gate (今宮神社東門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 21 Imamiyacho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 26-556 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/03/27 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber yakuimon gate, gabled roof in traditional tiles, 4.1 metres wide, with wicket doors either side |
| Owner | Imamiya Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Open as the eastern entrance; can be seen and passed through freely (no charge) |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Imamiya Shrine East Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012208
- Agency for Cultural Affairs — Registered Tangible Cultural Properties (Structures), report of 2017/11/17 (Japanese)
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/yukei_kenzobutsu/pdf/r1392281_21.pdf
- Kyoto City official travel guide — Imamiya Shrine (Japanese)
- https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single01.php?category_id=7&tourism_id=496
Last verified: 2026.10.01
