A Cast-Iron Gate from the Ministry of Public Works
The Myohoji Temple Iron Gate (妙法寺鉄門) is a cast-iron gate designed and made by the Ministry of Public Works of 1878 in Horinouchi, Suginami City, Tokyo, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 2, 1973 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
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The Agency records a cast-iron gate between posts; designation number 01891.
A Cast-Iron Gate, Japanese in Spirit with Western Touches
The Myohoji Temple Iron Gate is a cast-iron gate between posts beside the two-storey gate of Myohoji, a Nichiren temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). A nameplate on a post reads "Meiji 11, Ministry of Public Works Manufacturing Branch, Akabane, Tokyo", and its design is Japanese at heart with some Western elements.
According to Suginami City, it was designed by the English architect Josiah Conder, known for the Rokumeikan. The doors use the traditional Western acanthus motif, a phoenix, an auspicious bird of old Japan, crowns them, and lions decorate the lower part.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency notes its high value as a certain surviving work designed and built by the Ministry of Public Works.
What to Look For
Look for the nameplate on the post, the phoenix above the doors and the acanthus pattern on them (Agency for Cultural Affairs; Suginami City).
Visiting
It is owned by Myohoji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on visiting hours was found.
Q&A
- When was the gate made?
- In 1878 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who made it?
- The Ministry of Public Works, as a nameplate on a post records.
- Who designed it?
- Josiah Conder, according to Suginami City.
- How is it decorated?
- With a phoenix, acanthus motifs and lions (Suginami City).
- When was the Myohoji Temple Iron Gate designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On June 2, 1973 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Myohoji Temple Iron Gate (妙法寺鉄門) |
|---|---|
| Location | 3-48-8 Horinouchi, Suginami City, Tokyo |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1973/06/02 (Showa 48) |
| Quantity | 1 structure |
| Dimensions | Cast-iron gate between posts |
| Owner | Myohoji Temple |
| Public Access | No official information on visiting hours |
References
- Myohoji Temple Iron Gate (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/560
- Go and See Local Cultural Properties (Suginami City)
- https://www.city.suginami.tokyo.jp/motto/sports/25351.html
Last verified: 2026.10.23