Taihoji Temple Main Hall

JAPAN, Ehime, Matsuyama

Taihoji Temple is said to have been built between 701 and 704 during the Hakuho period. It belongs to the Buzan branch of the Shingon school of Japanese Buddhism. Although it is unclear when the main hall was constructed, judging from its architectural style, it was probably built during the early Kamakura period (1185–1333). This main hall is the oldest Buddha hall in Matsuyama. The hall was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
The three-by-four bay hall has a single-eave hip roof covered with cylindrical tiles. The roof is supported by circular columns but there are bracket sets only on the capitals of the four corner columns. There are three grid sash windows that can be drawn up and supported by wooden sticks. On the side near the front there is a door panel and at the center of the rear side there are sliding doors. The hall enshrines a seated Amitabha Buddha statue, which is listed as an Important Cultural Property.