A Carved Four-Legged Gate of 1852
The Kongoji Temple Gate (金剛寺山門, Kongō-ji sanmon) is a four-legged gate built in 1852 on the south edge of the grounds of Kongoji at Nakayama, Kawajima Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture, and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on February 26, 2021 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a wooden gate with a tiled roof, 3.0 metres wide, registration number 11-203, owned by Kongoji.
Why It Was Registered
The Kongoji Temple Gate was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs praises its careful workmanship, with lion-nose ends at the corners and a dragon carved above the lintel.
What to Look For
The gate faces south and has a gabled pantiled roof. The main posts are round and joined by a lintel; the rear posts are square, braced by waist and head tie beams (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The bracket sets project one step, the gable is framed with double tie beams and a central strut, and the eaves have two layers of closely spaced rafters (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Look up at the dragon above the lintel and the lion-nose ends at the four corners: the gate is only 3.0 metres wide, yet worked in detail throughout.
Visiting
The Kongoji Temple Gate can be seen from outside the temple. No visiting information has been published, so please be considerate of worshippers.
The temple's history and location are on the group page Kongoji Temple (Kawajima).
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Saitama
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kongoji Temple Gate
- [ Kawagoe Little Edo & Moominvalley Park ]
Q&A
- When was the Kongoji Temple Gate built?
- In 1852 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What type of gate is the Kongoji Temple Gate?
- A four-legged gate with a gabled pantiled roof, round main posts and square rear posts (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for on the Kongoji Temple Gate?
- The dragon carved above the lintel and the lion-nose ends at the corners (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Kongoji Temple Gate?
- It is 3.0 metres wide (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Kongoji Temple Gate registered?
- On February 26, 2021, the same day as the Kongoji Temple Dainichi Hall.
Basic Information
| Name | Kongoji Temple Gate (金剛寺山門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1198 Nakaguruwa, Nakayama, Kawajima Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2021/02/26 (Reiwa 3) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Wooden, tiled roof, 3.0 metres wide |
| Owner | Kongoji |
| Public Access | Temple gate (visible from outside; no visiting information) |
References
- Kongoji Temple Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00013691
Last verified: 2026.10.14
