今高野山総門の建立年代と改築の経緯について

The Imakoyasan main gate stands at the entrance of Imakoyasan. It was designated as a cultural property of Hiroshima Prefecture in 1959. In this study, we surveyed the main gate, and conducted extensive research of related historical records.
According to marks left on the components when it was first built, the Imakoyasan main gate was a Shikyakumon (four-legged gate), but was later rebuilt into a Niomon (gate of two Deva Kings). According to the old records, the main gate was built around 1418, and is believed to have been reconstructed in 1556.
The main gate was later restored extensively in 1670. We can say that some building components were replaced during this restoration. The roof was also re-done in 1690 and 1716. However, most of the components used in the existing roof were replaced during modern restorations.
At present, the important parts of the building such as pillars of the main gate, have been severely damaged. Urgent repairs are necessary to preserve this important cultural property for future generations.