The Granite Torii on the Approach
The Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate (老松天満社鳥居) is a stone torii gate of 1846 in Amagasemachi Ideguchi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on September 10, 2010 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a granite gate with 2.5 metres between its pillars; registration number 44-0182.
Swelling Pillars and a Strongly Curved Top Beam
The Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate stands toward the east side of the grounds, squarely on the line of the approach (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It is built of granite.
Its round pillars are 0.44 metres in diameter, swell slightly at mid-height and lean gently inward, a treatment called Uchikorobi; they stand 2.5 metres apart. A Nuki tie beam passes through them, and the shimaki beam and the Kasagi top beam above are cut as a single piece (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency notes how the lively upward sweep of the top beam suits the thick pillars of the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate, and it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property for its contribution to the historic landscape. Built in 1846, it is the second oldest of the four registered structures at the shrine, after the stone Kotohira Shrine of 1824.
What to Look For
Seen head-on from the approach, the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate shows off the curve of its top beam, which flicks up toward both ends above the heavy pillars.
Step to one side to see the inward lean and the slight swelling of the pillars. Up close, check that the shimaki and kasagi beams are one piece of stone rather than two (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate stands on the approach, so everyone entering the grounds passes beneath it (Agency for Cultural Affairs). As an open-air structure it can be seen from the approach; please do not touch or climb the stonework. Directions to the shrine and general visiting conditions are covered on the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine page.
Q&A
- When was the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate built?
- In 1846 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate made of?
- Granite (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate?
- The pillars stand 2.5 metres apart and are 0.44 metres in diameter (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for at the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate?
- The strongly curved top beam and the thick round pillars, which swell slightly and lean inward.
- When was the Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate registered?
- On September 10, 2010 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate (老松天満社鳥居) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1183 Nakamura, Amagasemachi Ideguchi, Hita City, Oita Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2010/09/10 (Heisei 22) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Stone, 2.5 m between pillars (pillars 0.44 m in diameter) |
| Owner | Religious Corporation Oimatsu Tenmansha |
| Public Access | Open-air structure, visible from the approach (grounds free to visit, Hita City Tourism Association) |
References
- Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00008386
- Oimatsu Tenmansha Shrine Torii Gate (Cultural Heritage Online, Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/168808
Last verified: 2026.11.05
