Rurikoji's pagoda dates back to 1404 and was built by the feudal lord of Yamaguchi, Moriharu Ouchi, in commemoration of the death of his brother, Yoshihiro.

Rurikoji's pagoda dates back to 1404 and was built by the feudal lord of Yamaguchi, Moriharu Ouchi, in commemoration of the death of his brother, Yoshihiro. (Photo: Sandra Isaka)

Rurikoji & Toshunji Temples in Fall

Brilliant colors on display in Yamaguchi City

Sandra Isaka Nov 24, 2016 - 1 min read

Rurikoji's pagoda dates back to 1404 and was built by the feudal lord of Yamaguchi, Moriharu Ouchi, in commemoration of the death of his brother, Yoshihiro.

Other buildings within the grounds of Rurikoji include a main hall, temple storehouse, bell tower, mini museum, and historic teahouse.

Chinryutei, a teahouse where secret discussions to end Japan's feudal period took place in 1868.

Fall colors are at their peak in mid-late November.

This pagoda is ranked as one of Japan's 'Top 3', along with those in Nara's Horyuji Temple & Kyoto's Daigoji Temple.

A statue of one of the Ouchi feudal lords of Yamaguchi

Behind the temple are some citrus fruit trees and tiny Konpira Shrine.

Most visitors miss these stone statues in the forest behind the shrine.

Entry to Kozan Koen, and both temples, is free. Entry to the mini museum is 200 yen.

Toshunji Temple is located to the left of the Rurikoji compound.

This temple is unusual in that the chief priest is a 9-year-old Kishu Inu (a type of Japanese dog) named Maru.

Another sign in the compound says in Japanese, 'The chief priest bites first and asks questions later'!

The 'assistant' chief priest, Sousen Fukano, regularly welcomes visitors into the temple.

Rurikoji and Toshunji temples sit beside each other in Kozan Koen in Yamaguchi City. In November, leaves on many trees within the park change to vivid red, orange or yellow. Rurikoji's famous five-story pagoda is at its most beautiful during this season. Tourists should stay overnight in nearby Yuda Onsen to make the most of visiting these temples and other sightseeing spots in the area.

Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka @sandra.isaka

As an intercultural consultant & Japan travel specialist with 20 years in Japan, I love sharing my favorite places with others.