A Gate of the Late Muromachi Period
The Honrenji Temple Middle Gate (本蓮寺中門) is a munamon gate at the western edge of the temple, unusual in its structure of around the Meio era (c. 1492–1501) in Ushimado, Ushimadocho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 17, 1970 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a munamon gate with a roof of round and flat tiles; designation number 01774.
A Gate at the Western Edge
The middle gate of Honrenji, a munamon of around the Meio era (c. 1492–1501), stands at the western edge of the temple precinct and was built in the late Muromachi period as part of the same complex as the main hall and Banjin Hall (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Its roof is of round and flat tiles.
It is unusual in that its details show a structure different from ordinary munamon gates, and small as it is, it forms part of the temple scene (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency values the gate as an unusual munamon whose details differ from the ordinary type, and as a small but integral part of the temple scene.
What to Look For
At the middle gate, look for the details that differ from an ordinary munamon and the tiled roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
The gate is owned by Honrenji (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to Okayama Kanko Web, Honrenji is a temple where the Korean envoys of the Joseon missions lodged; it is about 20 minutes by bus from JR Oku Station for Ushimado, a short walk from the Honrenji-shita stop. It gives no hours or fees. The main hall, middle gate and Banjin Hall are introduced together on the Honrenji Temple (Ushimado) page.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- Around the Meio era (1492–1501).
- Where does it stand?
- At the western edge of the temple.
- What is unusual about it?
- Its details differ from usual gates.
- When was it designated?
- In 1970 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Honrenji Temple Middle Gate designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On June 17, 1970 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Honrenji Temple Middle Gate (本蓮寺中門) |
|---|---|
| Location | Ushimado, Ushimadocho, Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1970/06/17 (Showa 45) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Munamon gate, tiled roof |
| Owner | Honrenji Temple |
| Public Access | About 20 minutes by bus for Ushimado from JR Oku Station, a short walk from the Honrenji-shita stop (Okayama Kanko Web) |
References
- Honrenji Temple Middle Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/3065
- Honrenji Temple (Okayama Kanko Web, in Japanese)
- https://www.okayama-kanko.jp/spot/detail_11181.html
Last verified: 2026.11.10
