A Small Jodo Temple Hall of 1711
The Enjuin Temple Main Hall (円寿院本堂, Enju-in hondō) is the main hall, built in 1711, of Enjuin, a Jodo Buddhist temple at the northwest edge of the village of Minamishimizucho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on July 1, 2003 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey timber building with a tiled roof and a building area of 111 square metres; registration number 25-0224, owned by the religious corporation Enjuin.
A Village Temple Hall
The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the Enjuin main hall as a simple small hall, but one built with stout timbers and great care.
Why It Was Registered
The Enjuin Temple Main Hall was registered as a structure that has become a model of design. The Agency for Cultural Affairs singles out its careful detail, such as the transoms and carvings in the panels between the inner and outer sanctuaries.
What to Look For
The hall is 3 bays by 4 under a hip-and-gable roof, with a one-bay entrance canopy and two layers of closely spaced rafters in the eaves (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The depth is divided front and back: the outer sanctuary in front, and behind it a raised inner sanctuary at the centre with side chapels to left and right (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The carved transoms and panels between the two are the highlight.
Visiting
Enjuin is a working temple, and no information on visiting hours or interior access has been published. Please be considerate of the temple and worshippers.
The address is 150 Minamishimizucho, Higashiomi City.
Q&A
- When was the Enjuin Temple Main Hall built?
- In 1711 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Enjuin Temple Main Hall?
- 3 bays by 4, with a building area of 111 square metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the hall laid out?
- An outer sanctuary in front, a raised inner sanctuary at the centre behind it and side chapels on both sides (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What should I look for?
- The carved transoms and panels between the inner and outer sanctuaries (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When was the Enjuin Temple Main Hall registered?
- On July 1, 2003.
Basic Information
| Name | Enjuin Temple Main Hall (円寿院本堂) |
|---|---|
| Location | 150 Minamishimizucho, Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2003/07/01 (Heisei 15) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Single-storey timber building, tiled roof, building area 111 square metres |
| Owner | Enjuin (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | Temple main hall (no visiting information) |
References
- Enjuin Temple Main Hall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00003434
- Enjuin Temple Main Hall (Cultural Heritage Online, Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/116314
Last verified: 2026.10.14