Tsukuyomisha at the top of the steps
The Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall (今宮神社月読社本殿, Imamiya Jinja Tsukuyomisha Honden) is a sanctuary of 1910 facing east at the top of a flight of stone steps on the west side of Imamiya Shrine in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/03/27. Its worship pavilion and fence, of the same year, stand in front.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the Tsukuyomisha enclosure as quiet and set apart from the centre of the grounds. The Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall was built for an auxiliary shrine during the late Meiji works at Imamiya.
A tie beam set low on the canopy posts
It is a one-bay nagare-zukuri shrine roofed in copper sheet, with a building area of 3.0 square metres. A veranda with upturned railings runs across the front and sides to side screens, and the canopy has a raised wooden platform and a lower step. Sanctum and canopy alike use simple boat-shaped brackets.
The odd feature is at the canopy posts. The rainbow-shaped tie beam that would normally sit at the top of the posts is set lower down, with a kaerumata strut placed above it. The Agency calls this an unusual form. The hall is plain overall, with its single flourish concentrated at the front.
What to look for, and visiting
The Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall stands behind its worship pavilion and fence and cannot be entered. Climb the steps and pray at the pavilion.
The low tie beam and its strut can be seen by looking past the side of the pavilion at the front of the hall. The steps are uneven, so take care in wet weather. Directions are on the Imamiya Shrine page.
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Q&A
- When was the Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall built?
- In 1910, together with its worship pavilion and fence.
- Where is the Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall?
- On the west side of the grounds at the top of stone steps, facing east.
- What is unusual about the Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall?
- The tie beam of the canopy is set below the tops of the posts, with a kaerumata above it.
- Can I go inside the Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall?
- No. Prayers are offered at the worship pavilion at the top of the steps.
- What type of building is the Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall?
- A one-bay nagare-zukuri shrine with a copper roof and a building area of 3.0 square metres.
Basic Information
| Name | Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall (今宮神社月読社本殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | 21 Imamiyacho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 26-543 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/03/27 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, single storey, one-bay nagare-zukuri shrine with copper-sheet roof; building area 3.0 square metres |
| Owner | Imamiya Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior can be seen freely from the grounds (no charge); interior not open |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Imamiya Shrine Tsukuyomisha Main Hall
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012195
- 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
