Karamon Chinese Gate
landmark
Karamon Chinese Gate
大猷院唐門
Overview
In contrast to the three previous gates, the Karamon is smaller in scale, and its carvings are very different from the fierce guardians displayed on the other gates.
The Karamon at Taiyuinbyo Mausoleum in Nikko is smaller and quieter than the other gates in the complex, with carvings chosen for personal meaning rather than intimidation. Above the entryway are paired dragons and cranes: dragons because Shogun Iemitsu was born in the year of the dragon, cranes as symbols of long life. One hundred carved pigeons line the wainscoting, associating the gate with Hachiman, the god of warriors. The gate's most distinctive feature is the karahafu gable, a rounded shape reserved for high-ranking buildings. The style is Japanese in execution despite its Chinese name and architectural roots.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 大猷院唐門
- Nearest station
- Tobu-Nikko Station (25 min bus)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
- Reservations
- not required
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