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Ōtenmon Gate / Heian Shrine

The Otenmon Gate is the symbolic gate of Heian Jingu, standing a grand 24 meters high and 20 meters wide. It is one of the buildings erected when Heian Jingu was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Kyoto, and is the most eye-catching of the shrine's central buildings. The Otenmon Gate is an elegant structure with a two-tiered tower, and is characterized by its vivid vermilion-lacquered colors. The entire gate is built in the traditional Japanese wooden architectural style, with high-quality wood used for the main parts such as pillars and beams. As a result, the warmth of the wood and the vividness of the vermilion-lacquered lacquer are in harmony, making a strong impression on visitors. In addition, the upper part of the gate is decorated with delicate carvings, especially those of lions and komainu (guardian dogs). It is believed that these decorations serve to protect the gate and symbolize the sacredness of the gate. The design and colors of the gate are modeled after the court architecture of the Heian period, and it also serves to convey the prosperity of that period to the present day. The Otenmon Gate is not only an architectural structure, but also an important presence that supports the harmony and grandeur of the entire Heian Shrine, and is a valuable cultural asset that allows visitors to experience the depth and traditional beauty of Japanese culture.


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