Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall

A Founder's Hall Built After the School's Independence

The Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall (西教寺宗祖大師殿, Saikyōji Shūso Daishiden) is a hall dedicated to the school's founder, built in 1894 on level ground a step below and south of the Main Hall at Saikyoji in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 28, 2001.

It was built after the Shinsei school became an independent branch in 1878. According to the temple's heritage guide, a statue of the founder, Shinsei Shōnin, stands on the central altar, flanked by Tiantai Zhiyi, Saichō and other masters linked to him.

The national record gives a single-story timber building of 312 square meters, roofed mainly in tile with some copper. It is registration number 25-0161. The temple's heritage guide, however, gives 1878 as the year it was built, which differs from the national record.

Why the Founder's Hall Was Registered

The Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall was registered under the criterion for buildings that serve as a model of design. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that it uses the vocabulary of high-status residential architecture.

Under a hip-and-gable tile roof, a karahafu curve rises over the front eaves. Round posts carry boat-shaped bearing blocks, the eaves have widely spaced rafters, and a veranda with knobbed railings runs around it. A temple hall finished in the manner of a palace residence is its defining quality, and the Agency also praises the fine coffered ceilings and slatted transoms inside.

What to Look For

The karahafu over the front eaves is the face of the hall. It stands at the center of a compound with the Karamon Gate to the east and a side gate to the west, enclosed by a bending earthen wall, and the view through the Karamon is especially well composed.

Look closely at the knobbed railings and the spare framing of round posts topped only by bearing blocks. The heritage guide mentions a statue of the young founder nearby and flowering trees, cherries, azaleas, tachibana and hydrangeas, that bring color through the seasons.

Visiting the Founder's Hall

The exterior of the Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall can be seen from the grounds. How much of the interior is open on a regular visit has not been confirmed. Opening hours, admission and directions for the temple are on the Saikyoji Temple page.