Granite Gateposts at the Top of the Steps
The Gokokuji Gate Pillars (護國寺門柱) are a pair of stone gateposts of 1906 in Kamitanaka-machi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and were registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on December 24, 2013 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records 2 stone gateposts with an opening of 2.8 metres; registration number 35-0076.
Rock-Faced Granite Posts
The Gokokuji Gate Pillars form the gate that opens on the east front of the precinct at the top of the stone steps, a pair of stone posts (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The opening between them is 2.8 metres, and each post stands 2.7 metres high.
Each is a square post of granite, left rock-faced, with a smooth dressed margin round the edges of every face. The contrast between the rough centre and the smooth border brings out the weight of the stone, and the top of each post is shaped into a rounded cap (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered the Gokokuji Gate Pillars on December 24, 2013, for their contribution to the historic landscape, singling out the rounded caps as their most striking feature. Standing at the head of the steps, the posts mark the entrance to the precinct for anyone climbing the approach.
Inscriptions on the Back
Both of the Gokokuji Gate Pillars carry inscriptions on their backs (Agency for Cultural Affairs). They were set up in 1906, when the precinct was being filled out after the Seishoko Hall of 1897.
The Agency’s description does not record what the inscriptions say, and the temple’s history does not mention the gate pillars.
What to Look For
As you climb the steps, watch the rounded caps of the posts and the smooth bands framing the rough faces. Once through the gate, turn round to see the inscriptions on the backs (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Through the Gokokuji Gate Pillars, the main hall of 1929 stands facing east at the back of the precinct.
Visiting
The Gokokuji Gate Pillars stand at the entrance to the precinct, at the top of the approach steps. The inscriptions face into the precinct, so if you step inside, take care not to disturb services or temple events. Directions are on the Gokokuji Temple (Shimonoseki) page.
Q&A
- When were the Gokokuji Gate Pillars built?
- In 1906 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big are the Gokokuji Gate Pillars?
- Each post is 2.7 metres high, and the opening between them is 2.8 metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What stone are the Gokokuji Gate Pillars made of?
- Granite, cut as square posts with rock-faced surfaces and smooth margins (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where are the Gokokuji Gate Pillars?
- At the east front of the precinct, at the top of the stone steps of the approach (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- When were the Gokokuji Gate Pillars registered?
- On December 24, 2013 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Gokokuji Gate Pillars (護國寺門柱) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-15-7 Kamitanaka-machi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 2013/12/24 (Heisei 25) |
| Quantity | 2 pillars |
| Dimensions | 2 stone gateposts, opening 2.8 m, height 2.7 m |
| Owner | Gokokuji Religious Corporation |
| Public Access | At the precinct entrance (no official visiting information) |
References
- Gokokuji Gate Pillars (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00009832
- Gokokuji Gate Pillars (Cultural Heritage Online, Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/231941
Last verified: 2026.11.08
