Komyoji Temple Gate of Two Kings

JAPAN, Kyoto, Ayabe

The Gate of Two Kings is located within Komyoji (Temple of Brightness) and was built in 1248 during the Kamakura period. It is said that the temple was established by Prince Shotoku and flourished as a Shingon temple under Master Rigen Daishi Shobo during the Engi era (901–923). In its prime, Komyoji Temple had a majestic layout consisting of 72 halls. Due to military conflict, it gradually fell into disrepair, and everything was destroyed by warfare in 1527 during the Muromachi period except for the Gate of Two Kings. Most of the present structures were rebuilt during the rule of Emperor Ninko (reigned 1817–1846). The gate was listed as a National Treasure in 1954.
The three-bay wide, two-story gate has a hip-and-gable roof covered in a type of board roofing. Three-tier bracket sets support both the upper and lower eaves. There are mullioned windows on either side of the doorway. The bays on each side have a statue of one of the two kings. On the second story, there are doors in the central bay, mullioned windows on either side, and low balustrades. The gate is constructed in wayo style and appears simple and elegant with red and white predominating.