The Outer Gate on the Approach
Toshoji Temple Second Gate (洞松寺二ノ門, Tōshō-ji Ni-no-mon) is the outer gateway on the approach to Toshoji, a Soto Zen monastery in Yakage, Okayama Prefecture, built in the late Edo period and listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 25, 2011. It stands on the approach road 250 meters north of the Sanmon, 3.0 meters by 2.7 meters under a gabled Kirizuma-zukuri roof of heavy Hongawarabuki tile. Its land lot, 3774-1 Funakidani, is separate from the temple precinct.
A Gate with Altars Built into Its Sides
At front and back, square posts are tied by curved Kōryō beams. The sides are open below waist height; above, the walls sit outside the line of the posts, and the space inside them forms a shallow altar shelf. It is a gate that doubles, on each flank, as a small place of worship.
The whole structure is plastered in Shikkui right out to the eaves, hiding the timber under white lime, an unusual finish for a gate. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes Toshoji Temple Second Gate as an outer gate of unusual form and real presence.
What to Look For
Walking up the valley, you meet Toshoji Temple Second Gate well before any temple building comes into view. It is the monastery's first threshold, and the 250 meters of approach beyond it bring the halls gradually closer.
Before passing through, walk around to the side. The relationship between the outer wall and the shallow altar inside only makes sense from there. On a clear day the white-plastered eaves stand out sharply against the green of the valley.
Visiting the Second Gate
The Second Gate stands on the approach and can be seen and photographed freely from outside. Do not touch the altar shelves or lean on the plaster. The temple precinct is a few minutes' walk further on.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Okayama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Toshoji Temple Second Gate
- [ Kurashiki Bikan District & Korakuen Garden Tours ]
Q&A
- Where is Toshoji Temple Second Gate?
- On the approach road 250 meters north of the temple's Sanmon, at 3774-1 Funakidani, Yokotani, Yakage, before you reach the precinct.
- What makes Toshoji Temple Second Gate unusual?
- Its sides are open below waist height, with shallow altar shelves set inside the upper walls, and the whole gate is plastered white right out to the eaves. The Agency for Cultural Affairs calls it an outer gate of unusual form.
- When was Toshoji Temple Second Gate built?
- In the late Edo period. It was listed as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 25, 2011.
- How big is Toshoji Temple Second Gate?
- It measures 3.0 meters by 2.7 meters under a gabled roof of heavy tile.
- Can visitors see Toshoji Temple Second Gate freely?
- Yes. It stands on the approach and can be viewed from outside at any time; please do not touch the altar shelves on its sides.
Basic Information
| Name | Toshoji Temple Second Gate (洞松寺二ノ門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3774-1 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 | 3.0 meters by 2.7 meters |
| Owner | Toshoji (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | On the approach; freely visible |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties (Agency for Cultural Affairs): Toshoji Temple Second Gate
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00008771
- 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
