Sep 12, 2014 - 1 min read

Gorgeous Pagoda Looming in the Dark

The most beautiful five-storied pagoda in Japan

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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

Pale pink flower glowing like a flower-lantern by transmitted light

When you get closer to the pagoda and change the angle, its massive presence overwhelms you

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

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

Throughout the year, the pagoda is lit-up from sunset to 11PM

The season for azaleas was over, but they still looked pretty

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

Yellow irises and old pond

Impressive large peony flower that stood out like a queen of the entire temple grounds

Notice

The scaffolding that covered Rurikoji Temple's five-storied pagoda was removed in April 2025, restoring this much-treasured famous viewing spot. Related renovations are expected to continue until March 2026.

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.

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Masayoshi Hirose

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

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Takako Sakamoto

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Following Follow

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström 3 years ago

Beautiful and serene.

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Masayoshi Hirose

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 3 years ago

That encourages me a lot.

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Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok 10 years ago

I'll be heading to Yamaguchi in February and I am hoping to see the pagoda covered in snow. Fingers crossed!

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Masayoshi Hirose

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Mandy-san,I pray that you can be seen the tower covered in snow! I hope the best for you.

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