National Treasures of Japan, Nishi Honganji Karamon, Kyoto

The Karamon Gate of the Nishi Hongan-ji Temple in Kyoto stands out among the other buildings through its sophisticated ornaments.

There are few such gates in Japan and this one, erected in 1573, was listed as one of the National Treasures of Japan. Its undulating roof represents the karahafu style, a typical Japanese shape invented by Japanese carpenters about 1000 years ago, during the Heian period.