The Yasaka Shrine of Kyoto has two Rōmon type gates, the first one at the main entrance from Shijo-dori and the second at the side entrance from Higashiyama, photographed here in the warm light of the late evening.

Rōmon means “tower gate” and, as the name suggests, this type of gate has a higher floor with a balcony (that isn’t actually used) and a single roof. Sometimes, the Rōmon gate may be confused with the more impressive Nijūmon type of gate, which has a roof for each floor, and the upper floor space is usable.

Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

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