Onrindo

Onrindō is located on the south side of the Katsura Imperial Villa, along the garden path from Shōkatei, and is said to have been founded by Prince Tomotada, the second head of the Hachijō-no-miya (Katsura-no-miya) family. It is the only building within the villa complex that features a formal tiled roof (hongawara-buki).　While preserving the solemn dignity of a private Buddhist hall (jibutsudō), its mukuri-yane—a gently convex roof surface—resembles the elegant curves of shingled roofs (kokera-buki), creating a soft and refined silhouette.　At the front of the building is the Kōhai, a projecting roofed area with a karahafu (curved gable), which serves as a sheltered space for offering prayers. Above it hangs a plaque inscribed with “Onrindō”, written by Emperor Gomizuno-o himself.　As visitors proceed along the garden path from Shōkatei, the steppingstones change in front of Onrindō—from natural stones to square-cut stones—subtly emphasizing the building’s sacred character as a Buddhist hall. Although its architectural style differs from the palace and teahouse structures, Onrindō is beautifully integrated into the garden through delicate and thoughtful design.