What Is Honzenji Temple Main Gate?
Honzenji Temple Main Gate (本善寺山門, Honzen-ji Sanmon) is the Yakuimon-style gate in the north side of Honzenji in Iigai, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture; built in the mid-Edo period (1661 to 1750), it became a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on January 15, 2010.
It stands toward the east end of the north side at the top of a flight of stone steps, with a roofed earthen wall (Tsuijibei) running off at right angles on both sides. The opening is 3.5 meters wide, and the temple says the gate is built entirely of zelkova.
Stacked Beams and Board Struts
Honzenji Temple Main Gate is a single-bay yakuimon, a gate type whose roof ridge sits behind the main posts, supported by a second pair of posts. The roof is gabled (Kirizuma-zukuri) and covered in traditional pantiles.
The beams that run from front to back are doubled. The lower one, the meutsubari or "female beam," ends in large carved scroll moldings that hold up the upper "male beam." At both gable ends and in the center of the head beam (Kabuki) across the front, flat board struts in the shape of a frog's legs (Kaerumata) carry the ridge.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs registered Honzenji Temple Main Gate as a model of architectural form, under number 29-0159. Its description calls the heavy, thick-timbered gate a fitting entrance to an old temple.
The Same Carving as the Main Hall
According to the temple's guide, the scroll patterns on the beam ends (Kibana) and board struts of Honzenji Temple Main Gate match those on the main hall. The temple therefore believes the gate was built right after the hall.
The national database dates both to the mid-Edo period, which fits that view. It suggests that the hall and gate were raised as one campaign as the temple recovered from its burning in 1578.
Seeing Honzenji Temple Main Gate
Honzenji Temple Main Gate is the entrance to the grounds, so every visitor passes beneath it. Stand under the gate and look straight up to see the carved beam ends and the board struts. From the foot of the stone steps you can take in the whole gate together with the walls turning away on either side.
The gate is in everyday use and needs no special arrangement to see. Directions to the grounds are on the Honzenji Temple page.
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Q&A
- When was Honzenji Temple Main Gate built?
- In the mid-Edo period (1661 to 1750). The temple believes it followed the main hall.
- What type of gate is Honzenji Temple Main Gate?
- A single-bay yakuimon with a gabled tiled roof. The opening is 3.5 meters wide.
- What details should I look for on Honzenji Temple Main Gate?
- The large carved scrolls at the ends of the lower beams and the board struts at the gable ends and on the head beam.
- What wood is Honzenji Temple Main Gate made of?
- According to the temple, it is built entirely of zelkova.
- Where is Honzenji Temple Main Gate?
- Toward the east end of the north side of the grounds, at the top of stone steps, flanked by roofed earthen walls.
Basic Information
| Name | Honzenji Temple Main Gate (本善寺山門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 567 Iigai, Yoshino Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building), registration no. 29-0159 |
| Year Designated | Registered January 15, 2010 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Wooden, tiled roof; opening 3.5 meters wide |
| Owner | Honzenji Temple |
| Public Access | Open as the entrance to the grounds |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties: 本善寺山門 (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00008025
- Cultural Heritage Online: 本善寺山門 (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/204086
Last verified: 2026.09.27
