Hakone Chu Mon (central gate), is a Shoin Style Gate, built in 1937 by traditionally trained Japanese craftsmen. The structure is based on proportions and design scale developed in the earliest Chinese history, and further refined in Japan during the Edo Period (1602-1860). The unusual use of California Coastal Redwood for the entire structure, points to the Nishiura brothers’ desire to create a large authentic Japanese style gate structure using native woods of California. The main elements include ornate carved gable-ends topping the shingle roof, and wide wooden gate-panels highlighting the old-growth redwood. The twelve-foot wide gate also has a central support post, and heavy timber frame. The Hakone Gate has been listed on the National Register of Historic structures since 1984.

You can view or download a PDF that goes into detail on the Hakone Decorative Carving on the central gate here.