The Abbot's Walled Residence
Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in (洞松寺書院月泉院, Tōshō-ji Shoin Gessen-in) is an early Meiji residence built for the head priest of Toshoji, a Soto Zen monastery in Yakage, Okayama Prefecture, and listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 25, 2011. It sits in its own enclosure north of the Zen Hall, facing south, 11 meters by 7.5 meters with a building area of 70 square meters.
Heavy Tile, Lattice Gables and a Skirt of Eaves
The main roof is a hip-and-gable Irimoya-zukuri form in heavy Hongawarabuki tile, with diagonal lattice in the gables, and a lower Geya lean-to roof in lighter Sangawara-buki pantiles runs all the way around it. The two-tier outline gives a single-story house real presence.
Inside are a guest room and a Buddhist altar room, along with a Chashitsu tea room and a kitchen, all finished in good timber. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the building as a head priest's residence of genuine dignity.
Most of Toshoji's registered buildings are Edo-period, but Getsusen-in and the gate and walls around it date from early Meiji. Set a step apart from the main halls and closed off by its own wall and gate, it reads clearly as a private house within the monastery.
What to Look For
Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in lies to the left as you come through the Sanmon, north of the Zen Hall. What you see first is the white wall around it and the small gate on its west side. Over the wall rise the tiled irimoya roof and the lattice gables.
That lattice gable repeats the one on the upper story of the Bell Tower nearby. Once you notice two buildings from different eras speaking the same design language, the precinct starts to look more of a piece.
Visiting Getsusen-in
Getsusen-in was built as the head priest's residence and its interior is not open. Do not go through the gate; view and photograph it from outside the wall. If you have a question about the interior, contact Toshoji in advance.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Okayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- What is Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in?
- It is an early Meiji residence built for the head priest, with a guest room, altar room, tea room and kitchen under a tiled irimoya roof with lattice gables. It was listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 25, 2011.
- Can visitors go inside Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in?
- No, the interior is not open. The exterior can be seen from outside the surrounding wall.
- Where is Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in in the precinct?
- It stands in its own walled enclosure north of the Zen Hall, facing south, with a small gate on the west side.
- When was Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in built?
- In the early Meiji period. The gate and walls that enclose it date from the same time.
- How big is Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in?
- It measures 11 meters by 7.5 meters, with a building area of 70 square meters.
Basic Information
| Name | Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in (洞松寺書院月泉院) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3796 Funakidani, Yokotani, Yakage-cho, Oda District, Okayama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2011/7/25 (Heisei 23) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 11 meters by 7.5 meters; building area 70 square meters |
| Owner | Toshoji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Exterior visible from outside the enclosure wall; interior closed |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00008769
- Cultural Heritage Online: Toshoji Temple Shoin Getsusen-in
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/233230
- Yakage Board of Education, Cultural Properties of Yakage: National and registered properties (Toshoji)
- https://bunkazai.yakage-kyouiku.info/shiteibunkazai/nicp
Last verified: 2026.09.24
