Nenbutsushu Sampozan Muryojuji Temple

  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.
  A pair of Guardian Deities at the Main Gate, one with his mouth open and the other closed, symbolizing " a-hum," 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.
  The upper part of the Main Gate 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, both incorporating fan rafters. The upper floor of the gate houses the images of Sakyamuni Buddha and his two attendants, Elder Ananda and Elder Maudgalyayana. 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.