Chohoji Temple Gate

Chohoji Temple Daimon: A National Treasure Gate from the Nanbokucho Period

Standing at the entrance to one of Wakayama Prefecture's most historically significant temple complexes, the Daimon (Great Gate) of Chohoji Temple is a magnificent example of late 14th-century Japanese gate architecture. Designated as a National Treasure, this two-story gate has welcomed visitors for over six centuries and remains a testament to the refined craftsmanship of the Nanbokucho period. Chohoji Temple itself holds the rare distinction of having three National Treasure structures within a single complex — a honor shared only with the legendary Horyuji Temple in Nara.

History of Chohoji Temple and the Daimon

Chohoji Temple was founded in the year 1000 (Choho 2) by imperial decree of Emperor Ichijo. The monk Shoku, a disciple of Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), established the temple and named it after the era in which it was created. By 1017, the temple had grown to include a full seven-hall complex with twelve sub-temples. Originally located further west, the temple was relocated to its present site during the late Kamakura period, when the existing buildings were constructed.

The Daimon was built in 1388 (Kakei 2) during the Nanbokucho period, when the monk Jitsunen undertook its construction under the imperial authority of Emperor Go-Komatsu. The gate underwent repairs in 1621 by the monk Eson, and again in 1683 under the patronage of Tokugawa Mitsusada, the second lord of the Kishu domain. A thorough dismantling restoration was carried out in 1910.

In the Edo period, the first lord of the Kishu domain, Tokugawa Yorinobu, designated Chohoji as the family temple of the Kishu Tokugawa clan in 1666. The temple received generous land grants, and the grounds came to include the largest daimyo cemetery in Japan, now designated as a National Historic Site.

Why the Daimon Is Designated a National Treasure

The Daimon was first designated an Important Cultural Property in 1900 and elevated to National Treasure status in 1953. Several characteristics make this gate exceptionally valuable in the history of Japanese architecture.

The gate is a three-bay, single-entrance, two-story gate (sanken-ikko romon) with an irimoya (hipped-gable) roof covered in hongawarabuki (traditional tile roofing). While its overall design follows the traditional Japanese wayo style, it incorporates elements of the zenshuyo (Zen style) in its finer details — an innovative blending of architectural traditions that was ahead of its time.

The bracket complexes (kumimono) at the eaves demonstrate structurally advanced techniques, and the architectural carvings display bold and original designs. These pioneering features led to its recognition as a gate of exceptional historical and artistic significance. Though compact in scale, the Daimon is considered one of the finest and most well-proportioned romon gates of its era.

Highlights and What to See

The Gate Structure

The Daimon features pure wayo-style triple bracket arms (mitsude-saki) with the third bracket arm resting on tail rafters (odaruki). Above the circular columns, a small ceiling is formed using eave support struts (noki-shirin), creating an elegant canopy effect. The interplay between the heavy tile roof and the refined woodwork below demonstrates the exceptional skill of Nanbokucho-period builders.

The Nio Guardian Statues

Flanking the entrance of the Daimon are a pair of Nio (Deva King) guardian statues. According to temple records, these were carved in 1286 (Koan 9) by the sculptor Tankei, and are regarded as masterful works of Kamakura-period sculpture.

The Plaque (Hengaku)

The original plaque displayed on the gate was calligraphed by the Imperial Prince Gyonin of the Myohoin. The current plaque is a copy commissioned by Lord Tokugawa Yorinobu, who had the artist Li Baikei reproduce it after the temple became the Tokugawa family's ancestral shrine. The original, bearing an inscription dated 1417, is preserved within the temple's treasure house and is designated as an accessory item to the National Treasure.

The Approach and Setting

The Daimon stands prominently at the foot of a gentle hillside approach. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the gate in soft pink, while the surrounding evergreen broadleaf forest — designated a Natural Monument of Kainan City — provides a lush green backdrop throughout the year. The stone steps leading up from the gate to the main hall are lined with紀州青石 (Kishu green stone), adding a distinctive local character to the landscape.

Other National Treasures at Chohoji

While the Daimon alone merits a visit, Chohoji's other National Treasure structures make the temple truly extraordinary. The Main Hall (Hondo), built in 1311, is a masterpiece of the late Kamakura period that skillfully combines wayo and karoyo architectural styles. The Tahoto (multi-treasure pagoda), built in 1357, is one of only a handful of National Treasure multi-treasure pagodas in Japan. Together, these three buildings form a remarkably complete medieval temple complex.

The Kishu Tokugawa Clan Cemetery

Behind the main buildings lies the mausoleum of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, one of the three senior branches of the Tokugawa shogunal family. This is the largest feudal lord cemetery in Japan and is designated as a National Historic Site. Grand stone walls, elaborate tombstones, and hundreds of stone lanterns create a solemn atmosphere. Notably, the graves of the 8th lord Yoshimune and the 13th lord Yoshitomi (Iemochi) are absent, as both went on to become Shoguns and were buried in Edo.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Kainan City, where Chohoji is located, boasts four National Treasure structures in total — an impressive concentration for any city in Japan. The nearby Zenpukuin temple also houses a National Treasure building, the Shaka Hall, making for an excellent combined visit.

The area is part of the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network. The Kii Route of the Kumano Kodo passes through this region, and Chohoji is included in the Japan Heritage designation of "Waka no Ura: A Treasury of Scenic Beauty." Visitors interested in local craftsmanship can explore the Kuroe lacquerware district in Kainan, a traditional production center with a history spanning over 400 years.

The coastal area near Shimotsu offers views of the Kii Channel, and seasonal mandarin orange orchards cover the surrounding hillsides, painting the landscape in vivid autumn colors.

Visitor Information

Please note that as of the most recent reports, Chohoji Temple has suspended general visitation due to damage from a heavy rainstorm in June 2023 that caused a landslide behind the main hall. Restoration work is being carefully conducted under the guidance of the Agency for Cultural Affairs to preserve the site's cultural value. Visitors are advised to check the temple's official website or contact them directly before planning a visit. The Daimon, located at the entrance to the grounds, may still be viewable from outside.