This is the main entrance to the Royal Grand Hall of Buddhism, which serves as the guard over the boundary between the Pure Land and the secular world. The gate covered with dragon carvings signifies that this is "the gateway to success" called touryumon in Japanese, literally "rising-dragon-gate." It is based on the Chinese legend that a carp swam up the upstream rapids of the Yellow River and transformed itself into a dragon, which implies that
ordinary people full of earthly desires can reach the serene Pure Land by passing through this gate.
The upper part has six-stepped intermediate bracket complexes, the first of its kind in the history of Japanese architecture, and the lower part has four-stepped intermediate bracket complexes. Attached to the top front is the Grand Tablet showing the mountain title ofthe temple, whose size is the largest in Japan, measuring 5.25m high and 3.15m wide, that is, 16.5rrl in area. A pair of Guardian Deities at the Main Gate, one with his mouth open and the other
closed, symbolizing “ ah-un," is the work of Mr. She Guo Ping, a living national treasure of China. The statues, the largest of their kind in the world, are all lacquered. Overlooking the secular world from both sides of the Main Gate, they urge people to do good and refrain from evil deeds.
Entering through the Main Gate, one can see the Stone Stage built of 15 huge stones. This stage can hold multitudes of people and commands a splendid view. It is as if the exquisite scenery of the Pure Land is laid out in front of one's eyes. Beyond the stage, the 30m wide Approach with clear little streams murmuring on both sides offers visitors a pleasant walk to the Main Hall.
It is 35.6m high, 34.5m wide in the ridge direction, and 13.8m long in the beam direction. The upper floor of the Main Gate houses the images of Sakyamuni
Buddha and his two attendants, Elder Ananda and Elder Maudgalyayana, carved by Mr. Huang Wen Shou. These statues depict the ancient story that Lord
Buddha expounded his teachings to save Queen Vaidehi, and from these teachings the Sutra on Contemplating Amitayus was compiled.