A one-bay shrine north of the Sanko shrine
The Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine (妙教寺夜守天王社, Myōkyō-ji Yomori Tennōsha) is an early Showa-era one-bay shrine east of the Reioden's inner sanctuary, just north of the Sanko Tennosha, at Saijo Inari Myokyoji in Takamatsu Inari, Kita Ward, Okayama City; it was moved in 1979 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 2009/01/08. It is one of the Seventy-Seven Subsidiary Shrines.
There is a second shrine of the same name in the grounds, in the Rokusha group of six shrines south of the Reioden. This one, in the row east of the Reioden, is a separate registered property. Both names are read Yomori, "night guardian".
A railed veranda all round
The Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine has a hip-and-gable roof of cypress bark, entered from the gable end, with a one-bay porch at the front. Its building area is 1.4 square metres. A raised step and platform lie in front, and a veranda with railings runs right round the body.
Round columns are tied by tie beams at three levels and a plate, with projecting bracket sets packed between them. The eaves have a double layer of closely spaced rafters.
The eye goes to the porch beam ends, carved in kagobori, an openwork technique that hollows out the timber to leave a complex pattern standing free. It is laborious work, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs singles it out.
What to look for, and visiting
The Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine is among the shrines east of the Reioden's inner sanctuary, just north of the Sanko Tennosha. It can be seen at any time, free of charge; the interior is not open.
Go up to the porch and look at the openwork beam ends on either side. Seen with light behind them, the depth of the pierced pattern comes out. Compare them with the dragons of the Sanko shrine next door. Opening hours and directions are on the Saijo Inari Myokyoji page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Okayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- Where is the Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine?
- East of the Reioden's inner sanctuary, just north of the Sanko Tennosha Shrine.
- Is this the same as the Yomori shrine in the Rokusha group?
- No. The Rokusha group's Yomori Tennosha stands south of the Reioden and is registered separately.
- What should I look at on the Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine?
- The porch beam ends, carved in kagobori openwork.
- When was the Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine built?
- In the early Showa era; it was moved in 1979.
- When was the Yomori Tennosha Shrine registered?
- On 2009/01/08.
Basic Information
| Name | Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine (妙教寺夜守天王社) |
|---|---|
| Location | 712 Takamatsu Inari, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure); registration number 33-0182 |
| Year Designated | Registered 2009/01/08 (Heisei 21) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber, gable-entry hip-and-gable cypress-bark roof; building area 1.4 square metres |
| Owner | Saijo Inarisan Myokyoji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior can be seen freely in the grounds (no charge); interior closed |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs) — Myokyoji Yomori Tennosha Shrine
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00007565
- Okayama City — Modern Japanese-style architecture at Saijo Inari Myokyoji, by Yasukawa Mitsuru (Japanese)
- https://www.city.okayama.jp/kankou/cmsfiles/contents/0000005/5279/000179262.pdf
- Saijo Inari official site — Seventy-Seven Subsidiary Shrines (Japanese)
- https://inari.ne.jp/facility/250/
- Saijo Inari official site — Former main sanctuary, Reioden (Japanese)
- https://inari.ne.jp/facility/252/
Last verified: 2026.10.01
