A Rare Early Shoin with a Kitchen Inside
The Okadera Temple Shoin (岡寺書院) is the study hall of a temple of 1644 in Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on January 22, 1986 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a single-storey building 13.0 by 10.0 metres under a gabled shingled roof, with lean-to eaves on the east and west; designation number 02177.
Four Rooms in an L-Shape
The Okadera Temple Shoin, a study hall of 1644, has a main room with an alcove, shelves and a writing desk, and four rooms set out in an L-shape, a full-scale arrangement (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The Agency counts it among the few precious shoin buildings whose form may go back to the Momoyama period.
Traces show that the inward-facing part at the back was originally a kitchen-like space open to the roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Combining formal reception rooms and a kitchen in one building is an unusual arrangement.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency values it as a rare shoin with roots in the Momoyama period and an unusual combination of reception rooms and kitchen. It was designated an Important Cultural Property on January 22, 1986.
What to Look For
Look for the main room with its alcove, shelves and desk, and the four rooms in an L-shape (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
According to Okadera, the temple is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (to 4:30 p.m. from December to February); entry is 500 yen for adults and 400 yen for high school and junior high school students.
No official information on access to the shoin interior was found.
Q&A
- When was the Okadera Temple Shoin built?
- In 1644 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the shoin laid out?
- A main room with alcove and shelves, and four rooms in an L-shape.
- What is unusual about it?
- It combines reception rooms and a kitchen in one building.
- How much is entry to Okadera?
- 500 yen for adults (Okadera).
- When was the Okadera Temple Shoin designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On January 22, 1986 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Okadera Temple Shoin (岡寺書院) |
|---|---|
| Location | Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1986/01/22 (Showa 61) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 13.0 by 10.0 m, single storey, gabled, eaves on east and west, shingled roof |
| Owner | Okadera Temple |
| Public Access | 8:30 to 17:00 (16:30 in winter), adults 500 yen |
References
- Okadera Temple Shoin (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/2773
- Okadera Temple official website (Japanese)
- https://www.okadera3307.com/
Last verified: 2026.10.17
