Imperial Gate
(Chokushimon)
It is common for large Zen temples to have a second
gate in addition to their Main Gate (Sômon).
This Imperial Gate is one such example and is situated along the outer
wall of the temple to the west of Shôkoku-ji's Main Gate. While the Main
Gate is used as the general entrance to the temple, the Imperial Gate—as
should be clear from the name-is used only on very important occasions. On
the inside of the gate is a crank-shaped pond over which extends a stone
bridge.
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