Gorgeous Pagoda Looming in the Dark

The most beautiful five-storied pagoda in Japan

Takako Sakamoto Sep 12, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Along with the pagodas of Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto and Horyuji Temple in Nara, this five-storied pagoda is one of the top three pagodas in Japan</p>

<p>Pale pink flower glowing like a flower-lantern by transmitted light</p>

<p>When you get closer to the pagoda and change the angle, its massive presence overwhelms you</p>

<p>The pagoda's beautiful cypress bark roof and its wooden architecture take your breath away</p>

<p>I visited here when green leaves were beautiful...the small red spots in the photo are probably maple buds</p>

<p>Throughout the year, the pagoda is lit-up from sunset to 11PM</p>

<p>The season for azaleas was over, but they still looked pretty</p>

<p>The flowers and their leaves were impeccable; no damage was to be seen...they were well taken care of by good hands</p>

<p>Impressive large peony flower that stood out like a queen of the entire temple grounds</p>

Notice

The roof of Rurikoji Temple's five-storied pagoda will be undergoing renovations from February 2023 to March 2026. You will still be able to enter Kozan Park during this period.

Latest on Rurikoji Temple

Ruriko-ji Temple is located in Yamaguchi, an old historical city which is often called 'Western Kyoto'.

The five-storied pagoda in this temple is called 'The most beautiful pagoda in Japan', and along with the pagodas of Daigoji Temple in Kyoto, and Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, this pagoda is one of the Top 3 pagodas in Japan.

Beautiful seasonal flowers surround the pagoda throughout the year, and they soothed and pleased me when I visited the temple at the end of April.

More info

Find out more about Rurikoji Temple.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...