Saikyoji Temple Guest Hall Side Gate

A Karahafu Gate in the Fence South of the Guest Hall

The Saikyoji Temple Guest Hall Side Gate (西教寺客殿通用門, Saikyōji Kyakuden Tsūyōmon) is a Taishō-period gate set into the board fence along the south side of the Guest Hall at Saikyoji in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, and it was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on August 28, 2001.

The national record lists a timber gate with a cypress-bark roof and an opening 2.1 meters wide. It is a hira-karamon, a gate whose gable ends show the curved karahafu profile. It is registration number 25-0148.

According to the temple's heritage guide, the gate opens onto the south veranda that faces the Guest Hall's principal room, so it served the most formal part of the building.

Why the Guest Hall Side Gate Was Registered

The Saikyoji Temple Guest Hall Side Gate was registered under the criterion for buildings that serve as a model of design. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that though simple in design, it is well proportioned and shows the skill of modern Japanese-style building.

Chamfered square posts carry brackets that support the eave beams, and the ridge beam rests on boat-shaped bearing blocks. Rafters are widely spaced, and a carved pendant hangs at each gable. With few members and restrained ornament, a gate only 2.1 meters wide is given fine proportions.

What to Look For

Walk round to a gable end to see the karahafu curve. The heritage guide points to the graceful line of the cypress-bark roof and the carved gable board facing along the fence. Only the ridge is tiled, a pleasing contrast with the soft bark surface.

The chamfered posts and small bearing blocks reward a closer look.

Visiting the Guest Hall Side Gate

The Saikyoji Temple Guest Hall Side Gate stands in the board fence south of the Guest Hall and can be seen from outside the gate. Visitors cannot pass through it onto the Guest Hall veranda. Opening hours, admission and directions for the temple are on the Saikyoji Temple page.