![](https://www.sojiji.jp/post/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mukaikaramon.jpg)
Sojiji received a private message (Chokushi) from the Emperor Godaigo that “This place is unique for a Zen temple, this place I appoint as a practice place of Soto Zen”, since then, Sojiji is regarded as a temple of imperial prayer, so this gate is called “Chokushi mon”.
This gate is opened on the occasions of inauguration ceremony of a new abbot (Zenji), New Year, Bon dance festival in July and relocation memorial day in November.
![](https://www.sojiji.jp/post/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mukaikaramon2.jpg)
![](https://www.sojiji.jp/post/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mukaikaramon3-1024x512.jpg)