31‏/07‏/2014

Classic Gate of Eiheiji Temple

Eiheiji Guide 10: Small, beautiful gate 'Chujakumon'

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Front view of 'Chujakumon Gate' seen from Buddha Hall

Closer look at 'Chujakumon Gate', which is located between Buddha Hall and the Main Gate

'Chujakumon Gate' seen from Buddha Hall with a beautiful courtyard in-between

Looking up at 'Chujakumon Gate' from the corridor of the Main Gate. The small stone bridge is called 'Robaikyo (old plum tree)'. The founder of Eiheiji Temple, Dogen, loved plum trees and the bridge was named after a tree he loved

Classic-looking 'Chujakumon Gate' was built in 1852

Looking down from 'Chujakumon Gate' at a garden in front of the Main Gate

Front view of 'Chujakumon Gate'. Simple wooden carvings are so beautiful

Green leaves in garden and 'Chujakumon Gate' in sunshine after rain

This photo story is to guide you step-by-step as you explore Eiheiji Temple in Fukui, the Zen temple of 'Eternal Peace'. The tenth guide focuses on 'Chujakumon Gate', the beautiful wooden gate located between Buddha Hall and the Main Gate of Eiheiji. Other than the fact that it was built in 1852 and is a prefectural cultural property, information about the gate is not well provided. But just looking at the classic beauty of it mesmerizes me. Located on a hillside, just to glimpse the view of it from above and below makes it worth visiting!

For other photos, please see these other photo stories, a detailed history, this article, and the other entries to this guide, the links below.