A Kamakura Shrine Cabinet in a Cliff-Side Cave
The Shakusonji Temple Kannon Hall Shrine Cabinet (釈尊寺観音堂宮殿) is a shrine cabinet set in the rock shelter of a Kannon hall of 1258 in Okubo, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on September 18, 1936 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records one bay square, single-storey, with a hip-and-gable roof of boards, designated together with a ridge tablet; designation number 00965.
The 1936 date in the Agency record is that of its designation under the former law.
A Cabinet in the Cave of a Cliff-Side Hall
The Shakusonji Kannon Hall Shrine Cabinet dates from 1258: one bay square, single-storey, under a hip-and-gable roof of boards, and designated together with a ridge tablet (Agency for Cultural Affairs). A kuden is a small building-shaped cabinet set inside a hall to enshrine a Buddhist image.
According to a Nagano Prefecture cultural property map, Shakusonji is also known as Nunobiki Kannon, and the cabinet stands in the rock shelter of a Kannon hall built out over a cliff. Damp in the cave rotted its back and sides, and it was repaired and restored in 1945.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency record has no commentary; the structure and date set out what was designated. The Nagano Prefecture map values it as work free of provincial crudeness and of a clearly known date.
What to Look For
Look for the Kannon hall tucked into the cliff and the Kamakura cabinet within it (Nagano Prefecture). The temple is also known for cherry blossom in spring and autumn leaves.
Visiting
It is owned by Shakusonji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to the Nagano Prefecture map, the approach climbs a steep mountain path for about 15 minutes from the bank of the Chikuma River; the road up from the forest track is narrow. No official information on visiting hours was found.
Q&A
- When was the shrine cabinet made?
- In 1258 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is a kuden?
- A small building-shaped cabinet set inside a hall to enshrine a Buddhist image.
- Where is it kept?
- In the rock shelter of a Kannon hall built out over a cliff (Nagano Prefecture).
- How do I get there?
- By a steep path of about 15 minutes from the bank of the Chikuma River.
- When was the Shakusonji Temple Kannon Hall Shrine Cabinet designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On September 18, 1936 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Shakusonji Temple Kannon Hall Shrine Cabinet (釈尊寺観音堂宮殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | Okubo, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1936/09/18 (Showa 11) |
| Quantity | 1 cabinet (with 1 ridge tablet) |
| Dimensions | 1 × 1 bay, single-storey, hip-and-gable, board roof |
| Owner | Shakusonji Temple |
| Public Access | About 15 minutes on foot up a steep path from the Chikuma River (Nagano Prefecture) |
References
- Shakusonji Temple Kannon Hall Shrine Cabinet (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/949
- Cultural property map of Komoro and Tomi (Nagano Prefecture, Toshin Education Office)
- https://www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/toshinkyo/bunnkazai/documents/bunnkazaimapkomorotoumi.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.22