The Two-Storey Gate of Okadera
The Okadera Temple Niomon Gate (岡寺仁王門) is a two-storey gate of 1612 in Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 22, 1955 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a two-storey gate three bays wide with one passage, under a hip-and-gable roof of hongawara tiles; designation number 01353.
A Two-Storey Gate of 1612
The Okadera Temple Niomon Gate is a two-storey gate three bays wide with one passage, under a hip-and-gable roof of hongawara tiles, at Okadera in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It was built in 1612.
Okadera says it is the seventh temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon pilgrimage, founded according to temple tradition about 1,300 years ago by the priest Gien at the wish of Emperor Tenji.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
As a two-storey gate of the early Edo period, it was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 22, 1955 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
What to Look For
The tiled hip-and-gable roof of the upper storey and the three-bay front are the things to see (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.
Q&A
- When was the Okadera Niomon Gate built?
- In 1612 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What type of gate is it?
- A two-storey gate three bays wide under a tiled roof.
- Which pilgrimage is Okadera on?
- It is temple 7 of the Saigoku 33 Kannon pilgrimage.
- What are the opening hours?
- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or 4:30 p.m. in winter.
- When was the Okadera Temple Niomon Gate designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On June 22, 1955 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Okadera Temple Niomon Gate (岡寺仁王門) |
|---|---|
| Location | Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1955/06/22 (Showa 30) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Two-storey gate, 3 bays and 1 passage, hip-and-gable, hongawara tiles |
| Owner | Okadera Temple |
| Public Access | 8:30 to 17:00 (16:30 in winter), adults 500 yen |
References
- Okadera Temple Niomon Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/2772
- Okadera Temple official website (Japanese)
- https://www.okadera3307.com/
Last verified: 2026.10.17
