Gateposts and a Wall of Moulded Earth
The Genmyoji Temple Gateposts and Wall (玄妙寺門柱及び塀) is gateposts and a wall of tamped-earth blocks of the early Showa period in Mitsuke, Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on December 19, 2014 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records an earthen wall 16 metres long; registration number 22-0197.
Hollow Blocks of Tamped Earth
The Genmyoji Temple Gateposts and Wall mark the west side of the precinct, both built of hollow blocks moulded from tataki, tamped earth (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The gateposts are five blocks high under small pyramidal caps; the wall rises four courses on a rammed-earth base, with a gabled coping made of the same material.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency calls it a gate and wall of unusual construction that makes full use of plasterers' techniques, a rare example of local building skill, and registered it as a structure that would not be easy to reproduce.
What to Look For
Look at how the earthen blocks are laid and at the copings moulded from the same material (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Genmyoji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The two structures are introduced together on the Genmyoji Temple page. No official visiting information was found.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In the early Showa period (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What is it made of?
- Hollow blocks moulded from tamped earth.
- How long is the wall?
- 16 metres.
- Why was it registered?
- As a rare example of local plastering skills.
- When was the Genmyoji Temple Gateposts and Wall registered?
- On December 19, 2014 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Genmyoji Temple Gateposts and Wall (玄妙寺門柱及び塀) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2440-1 and other lots, Mitsuke, Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2014/12/19 (Heisei 26) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Earthen wall, 16 m long |
| Owner | Genmyoji Temple (religious corporation) |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Genmyoji Temple Gateposts and Wall (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00010306
Last verified: 2026.10.21
