The Niomon gate at Hattasan Sonei-ji Temple in Shizukoa prefecture was reported vandalized on May 1.

The temple’s entrance gate was built in 1640 during the Edo period and later registered as an Important Cultural Property. The temple itself was established in 725.

One of the wooden columns within the gate structure was discovered sawed at the base by a temple priest.

No money was found to be stolen from the offertory box inside the gate.

Police are investigating the property damage with a possible motive of theft.