Hirakata's Oldest Building, Dated 1402
The Katano Tenjin Shrine Main Hall (交野天神社本殿) is a one-bay nagare-style main hall of 1402 in Kuzuhaoka, Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on April 5, 1917 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a one-bay nagare-style hall roofed in cypress bark, with two ridge tags designated with it; designation number 00682.
The 1917 date in the Agency record is that of its designation under the former law.
A Hall Dated by Its Ridge Tag
The Katano Tenjin Shrine Main Hall belongs to Katano Tenjin Shrine in Kuzuhaoka, Hirakata. It is a one-bay nagare-style hall roofed in cypress bark (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
According to Hirakata City, its ridge tag records construction in 1402. The main hall of the Hachiman sub-shrine in the same precinct is thought to be of the same period, and the two are the oldest buildings in Hirakata, dating back to the mid-Muromachi period.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency's record has no commentary; the structure, the date and the ridge tags set out what was designated. Hirakata City calls it the oldest historic building in the city.
What to Look For
Look for the one-bay nagare form with its long cypress-bark roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs), and see the Hachiman sub-shrine hall nearby.
Visiting
It is owned by Katano Tenjin Shrine (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The two halls are introduced together on the Katano Tenjin Shrine page. No official visiting information was found.
Q&A
- When was the main hall built?
- Its ridge tag records construction in 1402 (Hirakata City).
- What style is it?
- A one-bay nagare-style hall roofed in cypress bark.
- What else is designated with it?
- Two ridge tags (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Why is it valuable?
- It is among the oldest buildings in Hirakata (Hirakata City).
- When was the Katano Tenjin Shrine Main Hall designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On April 5, 1917 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Katano Tenjin Shrine Main Hall (交野天神社本殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-chome Kuzuhaoka, Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1917/04/05 (Taisho 6) |
| Quantity | 1 building (with 2 ridge tags) |
| Dimensions | 1-bay nagare style, cypress-bark roof |
| Owner | Katano Tenjin Shrine |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Katano Tenjin Shrine Main Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/2169
- Fire drill at Katano Tenjin Shrine (Hirakata City press release, Japanese)
- https://www.city.hirakata.osaka.jp/cmsfiles/contents/0000051/51870/26119.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.21
