Hogonji Temple Chinese Gate

JAPAN, Shiga, Nagahama

Hogonji Temple is located on Chibuku, an island off the northern shore of Lake Biwa. The temple was constructed in 724 during the Nara period, and belongs to the Shingon school of Buddhism. The gate was originally located at Toyokuni Shrine in Kyoto and was moved to Chibuku island in 1603. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
The one-bay wide gate has an undulating bargeboard above the entrance. Its roof is covered with cypress bark. Secondary pillars have been placed in the gateway to strengthen the structure. When viewed from the front the columns and beams are plain, while the doors, side panels and area beneath the bargeboard are all skillfully carved. However, the sides and rear of the gate are even more intricately decorated. The gate is representative of the resplendent and ornate architectural style of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1615).