Sarugatsuji
4
(48)Sarugatsuji is the unusually shaped northeast corner of the Kyoto Imperial Palace wall, built to ward off evil spirits. It features a concave design rather than a typical corner, which was believed to prevent bad luck from entering the palace grounds. A wooden monkey sculpture is placed under the eaves as a protective amulet.
Address
Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
Opening Hours
OPEN 24 HOURS (Thu)
Worth it?
Worth it if you appreciate subtle historical details and local beliefs
Skip if you're looking for a grand landmark or a bustling attraction
Location
Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan
Nearby places
See more
Highlights
Look closely under the eaves for the wooden monkey sculpture, believed to be an amulet against evil spirits.
The wall's concave shape at this corner is a deliberate architectural choice to 'seal' the 'ghost gate' and prevent evil from entering.
Nearby eats
See more eats
Who it's for
Travelers interested in Japanese folklore, geomancy, and historical superstitions will find this spot intriguing. It's also for those who enjoy seeking out unique architectural details.
Nearby stays
Reviews
4
Good
5 ReviewsVisitors find Sarugatsuji a fascinating spot for its unique architectural design and the intriguing folklore surrounding it, particularly the belief in warding off evil spirits. Many note that it's easy to miss if you don't know what to look for.
Fun facts
The northeast direction, known as 'kimon' or 'ghost gate,' was traditionally considered a point of entry for evil spirits in Chinese geomancy, influencing the design of buildings like the Imperial Palace.
The monkey sculpture is thought to be linked to Hiei Shrine, located northeast of the palace, whose messenger was a monkey named Masaru, a homophone for 'evil spirits begone.'
In 1863, a senior official, Anegakōji Kintomo, was assassinated near Sarugatsuji, an event dramatically depicted in a 1969 film.
