Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall Karamon Gate

A Four-Legged Gate Facing East Before the Founder's Hall

The Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall Karamon Gate (西教寺宗祖大師殿唐門, Saikyōji Shūso Daishiden Karamon) is a four-legged gate built in 1917, facing east in front of the Founder's Hall at Saikyoji in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 28, 2001.

It is a single-bay four-legged gate with earthen walls bending away on both sides. The national record gives an opening 4.2 meters wide and includes side walls totaling 3 meters and earthen walls totaling 38 meters. It was built as part of the temple improvements for the great nembutsu service of 1917, and it is registration number 25-0162.

Why the Karamon Gate Was Registered

The Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall Karamon Gate was registered under the criterion for buildings that serve as a model of design. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that while the bracketing is a simple three-block type, the gate is lavish, with dragons, lions and other carvings above the tie beams, carved and plank transoms and finely worked metal fittings.

The roof is hip-and-gable with karahafu curves front and back. The Agency's description calls the roofing cypress bark, while the structure field of the same record says tile; both statements are noted here.

What to Look For

Compare the carvings above the tie beams from front and back. Dragons and lions line up, and the contrast between plain bracketing and rich carving is the gate's great effect. Up close, the patterns on the metal fittings come into view.

The earthen walls bending away from each side enclose the Founder's Hall compound. Together, gate and walls stretch well over 38 meters and frame the hall's dignity from outside.

Visiting the Karamon Gate

The exterior of the Saikyoji Temple Founder's Hall Karamon Gate can be seen from the grounds. The doors may be closed during ceremonies. Opening hours, admission and directions for the temple are on the Saikyoji Temple page.