Miyajima's Five Story Pagoda

A flaming pagoda soars high above Miyajima

Chantelle Silva Jul 16, 2013 - 1 min read

The first level of the Five Story Pagoda

Each different angle gives its own unique view of the pagoda

The pagoda was built using construction techniques associated with Zen Buddhism

Whilst you can't go inside the pagoda, you are able to walk freely around it

The vibrant vermillion color of the pagoda make the trees around appear to be even more green

Look up and you'll see the tiny maple leaves which stand out against the color of the pagoda

The pagoda is positioned on a hill and makes for an excellent viewing point over Miyajima

The Five Story Pagoda with the Senjyokaku "Hall of 1000 Tatami Mats" in the background

The Five Story Pagoda on Miyajima island is a stunning vermilion masterpiece. Built in 1407, the pagoda reflects construction techniques typically associated with Zen Buddhism. Located to the left of the giant torii gate and atop a hill, the pagoda soars high into the sky. What I found to be truly remarkable was that the Five Story Pagoda is absolutely stunning from any angle. Up close, from a distance, straight on, to the side, from beneath the trees - The pagoda is a wonderful piece of Buddhist architecture which should be admired from as many positions as possible!

Chantelle Silva @chantelle.silva

My first encounter with Japan was in June 2013, when I spent a month in Tokyo/Hiroshima interning for Japan Travel. I knew from the moment that I set foot in this mesmerising country that one month would not nearly be enough time to enjoy what Japan has to offer. So here I am back in Japan, this ...