Aoba Shrine Lattice Fence

An Openwork Fence around the Main Hall

The Aoba Shrine Lattice Fence (青葉神社透塀) is an openwork fence enclosing a shrine main hall of 1927 in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on March 29, 2019 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency records a timber fence with a copper-sheet roof, 87 metres long in all, with wicket doors; registration number 04-161.

A Fence that Marks Off the Sacred Ground

The Aoba Shrine Lattice Fence is a timber Sukibei, an openwork fence with a copper-sheet roof, that marks off the sacred ground on all four sides of the main hall; it runs 87 metres in all (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The middle gate opens at its front.

It stands on a base of cut stone. The lower panels are boarded and fitted with crossed and diagonal battens, and above them runs Kitsure-goshi lattice (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Near the front of each side is a wicket gate with Sankarado panelled doors. The small roof rests on beams carried by bracketed arms, with a single layer of widely spaced rafters.

Why It Was Registered

The Agency notes that the Aoba Shrine Lattice Fence is precisely made from fine timber and gives the surroundings of the main hall a dignified order; it was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. Miyagi Prefecture also points to the quality of its timber and workmanship.

What to Look For

Look at the three layers from bottom to top: the cut-stone base, the battened lower panels and the lattice (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The main hall shows through the lattice, so the fence marks off the sacred ground rather than hiding it.

The wicket gates with panelled doors near the front of each side are a second way through, separate from the middle gate.

Visiting

The Aoba Shrine Lattice Fence surrounds the main hall and can be seen from outside. No official information on entering the enclosure was found. Directions are on the Aoba Shrine page.