The Formal Entrance of Myohoin
The Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall (妙法院玄関, Myohoin genkan) is a formal entrance building of 1619 at Myohoin in Myohoin-maegawa-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and it was designated an Important Cultural Property on April 17, 1914. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as 7 ken by 4 ken, a single storey under a hip-and-gable roof of wooden shingles.
The Kyoto City Tourism Association notes that the great entrance hall and the Daishoin are decorated with Kano school paintings. Built in the same year as the Daishoin, the entrance hall is where guests of this princely temple were received.
Why the Entrance Hall Matters
The entrance hall is valuable as part of an early Edo-period reception suite of a monzeki temple, laid out together with the Daishoin. It was built in 1619, after the temple moved to its present site in 1614, according to the Agency's dating.
At 7 ken by 4 ken, it is not a mere doorway but a substantial building with rooms of its own. The tourism association calls it the great entrance hall, a scale befitting a temple whose abbots were imperial princes.
What to Look For
Outside, notice the hip-and-gable roof of kokera shingles, matching that of the Daishoin. Built in the same year, the entrance hall and Daishoin form a reception complex with roofs of the same texture.
When the interior is open, look for the Kano school paintings, which the tourism association says decorate the great entrance hall as well as the Daishoin.
Visiting the Entrance Hall
According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, Myohoin is normally closed, and its cultural properties open for special viewings and for the Satsukie festival on May 14. While the kuri is under renovation until 2027, there are periods when the grounds cannot be entered and events may change.
Check with the temple before visiting. Access and contact details are on the Myohoin Temple page.
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Q&A
- When was the Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall built?
- The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates it to 1619, the same year as the Daishoin.
- When was the Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall designated?
- It was designated an Important Cultural Property on April 17, 1914.
- What are the size and form of the Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall?
- It measures 7 ken by 4 ken, a single storey under a hip-and-gable roof of wooden shingles.
- How is the Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall decorated?
- According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, it is decorated with Kano school paintings like the Daishoin.
- Can visitors see the Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall?
- Myohoin is normally closed but opens for special viewings and the May 14 Satsukie festival; during renovation the grounds may be closed at times.
Basic Information
| Name | Myohoin Temple Entrance Hall (妙法院玄関) |
|---|---|
| Location | 447 Myohoin-maegawa-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1914/4/17 (Taisho 3) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 7 ken by 4 ken, single storey, hip-and-gable roof, wooden shingles |
| Owner | Myohoin |
| Public Access | Normally closed (open for special viewings) |
References
- 妙法院玄関 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1750
- 妙法院庫裏 (Database of National Cultural Properties)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1751
- 妙法院 (Kyoto City Tourism Association)
- https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single01.php?category_id=7&tourism_id=472
Last verified: 2026.10.03
Last verified: 2026.10.03
