Karamon Gate 唐門

The undulating roof is high in the middle and curved at both ends, in a style known as karahafu. This is the most formal style of roof and is often used for the most important gates at temples, shrines, and castles in Japan. The Karamon has four pillars, two on one side of the doors, and two on the other.

At Kenchoji, the Karamon serves as the main entrance to the Hojo, which was traditionally the living quarters of the abbot. The gate is strictly reserved for use by the emperor and imperial envoys. All other visitors, including the monks themselves, use the side entrance to the Hojo.

The gate is designated an Important Cultural Property and was restored in 2011.

The Karamon Gate was built in 1628 for Zojoji Temple in Edo (now Tokyo). Like the Butsuden (Buddha Hall), the gate was donated to Kenchoji Temple in 1647 by the powerful Tokugawa shoguns (1603–1867) as part of the reconstruction of the temple. The gate is designated an Important Cultural Property and was restored in 2011.

The Karamon is the main entrance to the Hojo, the residence of the abbot. This gate is strictly reserved for use by the emperor and imperial envoys. All other visitors, and even the monks themselves, use the side entrance to the Hojo.

The grand scale of the Karamon Gate and its combination of black lacquer and elaborate gilding are typical of such buildings built by the Tokugawa. The undulating roof is in an architectural style known as karahafu that is reserved for important buildings in Japan.