A Zen Abbot's Hall at Myoshinji
The Kobaiin Main Hall (衡梅院本堂) is the main hall of Kobaiin, a sub-temple of Myoshinji in Hanazono, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, built in 1604 and designated an Important Cultural Property on June 15, 1967. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as a well-formed example of a main hall in the Zen abbot's-hall style.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as 18.9 metres by 11.9 metres, single-storey, with a hip-and-gable (Irimoya-zukuri) roof, eaves on the west side and wood-shingle roofing. It is owned by Kobaiin.
Why It Was Designated
The Kobaiin Main Hall was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1967. According to the Agency, it is known for certain to have been built in 1604, and is a well-formed example of a main hall in the Zen abbot's-hall form.
What to Look For
The Kobaiin Main Hall is an abbot's hall with a hip-and-gable roof in wood shingle and eaves on the west side (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Its plan is an oblong of 18.9 metres by 11.9 metres.
Kobaiin is one of the many sub-temples of Myoshinji, and the Agency introduces the hall as belonging to one of them.
Visiting the Kobaiin Main Hall
We found no official information on visiting the Kobaiin Main Hall or on interior access. Kobaiin is a sub-temple within the grounds of Myoshinji, Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. Those hoping to visit should look out for special openings.
Q&A
- When was the Kobaiin Main Hall built?
- In 1604 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Why is the Kobaiin Main Hall an Important Cultural Property?
- It is securely dated and a well-formed example of a Zen abbot's-hall style main hall (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Kobaiin Main Hall?
- 18.9 metres by 11.9 metres, with a hip-and-gable shingled roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Kobaiin Main Hall designated?
- On June 15, 1967.
- Can you visit the Kobaiin Main Hall?
- There is no official information on visiting or interior access.
Basic Information
| Name | Kobaiin Main Hall (衡梅院本堂) |
|---|---|
| Location | Hanazono Myoshinji-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1967/6/15 (Showa 42) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 18.9 metres by 11.9 metres, single storey, irimoya roof, west eaves, wood-shingle roof |
| Owner | Kobaiin |
| Public Access | No official information on public access |
References
- Kobaiin Main Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1894
Last verified: 2026.10.07