Gate and fence around the Wakamiyasha
The Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence (今宮神社若宮社門・透塀) are a gate and fence of 1694 enclosing the main hall of the auxiliary shrine Wakamiyasha at Imamiya Shrine in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2018/03/27. A gate opens in front of the sanctuary and the fence runs from either side of it to surround the hall.
They went up in the same year as the main hall and worship hall, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs praises them as carefully made gate and fence that mark out the Wakamiya precinct. Worshippers at Wakamiyasha pray at this gate.
A stepped roof and diamond lattice
Both gate and fence stand on a base of cut stone. The gate is an udegimon, a simple type whose roof rests on brackets projecting from the posts, 1.8 metres wide. Its gabled roof is laid in stepped layers held by small battens, then finished with batten-jointed tiles.
The fence measures 26 metres in total. Horizontal beams run between the posts, the bays are filled with clustered diamond lattice through which the sanctuary can be glimpsed, and the lower part is earthen wall. The coping is batten-jointed tile.
A stepped roof and clustered lattice are a good deal of work for a small shrine enclosure, and that is where the care of the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence shows.
What to look for, and visiting
You cannot go inside the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence, but you can walk up to the gate to pray, and the main hall shows through the lattice.
Look at the gate roof from the side and a few steps back to see the stepped layers. Notice too where the earthen lower wall of the fence changes to lattice. Directions are on the Imamiya Shrine page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kyoto
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence
- [ Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari & Kimono Rental ]
Q&A
- When were the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence built?
- In 1694, the same year as the Wakamiyasha main hall and worship hall.
- What type of gate is the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate?
- An udegimon, 1.8 metres wide, with a stepped gabled roof finished in tiles.
- How long is the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Openwork Fence?
- 26 metres in total, surrounding the Wakamiyasha main hall.
- Can I go inside the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence?
- No. You can pray at the gate and see the hall through the lattice.
- What should I look for on the Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence?
- The stepped roof of the gate and the clustered diamond lattice of the fence.
Basic Information
| Name | Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence (今宮神社若宮社門・透塀) |
|---|---|
| Location | 21 Imamiyacho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 26-540 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2018/03/27 (Heisei 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Gate: timber, tiled roof, 1.8 metres wide. Fence: timber, tiled coping, total length 26 metres |
| Owner | Imamiya Shrine (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Can be seen freely from the grounds (no charge); the enclosure cannot be entered |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Imamiya Shrine Wakamiyasha Gate and Openwork Fence
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00012192
- 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
