[Hyogo Prefecture] Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera Temple, Part 2: Main Gate

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Nakayamadera Temple's Sanmon Gate, rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1646, is a designated Hyogo Prefectural Cultural Property. It features a prestigious double gate with a hip-and-gable roof, three bays in front and two bays on the sides, and a traditional tiled roof.
Also known as the "Bokai-ro," it's said that in the past, visitors could gaze out over the ocean from the top of this gate.

The Sanmon Gate is located at the entrance to the temple grounds. It serves as a gateway for those seeking enlightenment, as well as a checkpoint to prevent evil spirits from entering the temple grounds.
For this reason, the upper level of the gate enshrines Jizo Bodhisattva, King Enma, Shimei, and Shiroku, while the lower level enshrines the A- and Un-shaped Nio statues, as well as lions and guardian lions.

Many straw sandals (waraji) are offered around the Nio statues in prayer for strong legs and backs.

Due to its style, Nakayamadera Temple's Sanmon Gate is classified as a double-gate (two-story gate with a double roof).
Two-story gates are often called "romon" gates, which lack a roof on the first floor and are only made up of a veranda and parapet. Double-story gates with roofs on the first floor are rare, making them a highly prestigious structure.

In addition to the construction inscription from 1646 (Shoho 3), a repair inscription from 1723 (Kyoho 8) still exists. Furthermore, the base of the Yama statue enshrined on the upper floor bears an inscription from 1720 (Kyoho 5), suggesting that the Yama statue and other statues enshrined on the upper floors were commissioned in conjunction with the gate's repairs.

Head Temple Nakayama-dera
📍Address: 2-11-1 Nakayama-dera, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture 665-8588

Post by こりのとりっぷ | Aug 24, 2025