Nishi Honganji Temple opens decorative gate www.japantimes.co.jp

posted by  Yubi | 7 years, 6 months ago in Art & Culture

Tourists were given a rare treat Sunday when Kyoto’s Nishi Honganji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, opened its centuries-old Karamon gate for the first time in 34 years.

“This is my hometown but it is the first time for me to see the gate open. I feel happy to be able to walk through a time-honored gate,” 52-year-old civil servant Yasuo Onoki said.

The decorative gate, adorned with colorful carvings of birds, lions, tigers and peacocks, among other animals, is thought to have been built in the Momoyama Period (1573-1615) and is designated as a national treasure.