{"id":22021,"date":"2025-07-18T20:21:41","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T11:21:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allway-japan.com\/?post_type=travelpost&p=22021"},"modified":"2025-07-23T09:01:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T00:01:07","slug":"%e5%9b%bd%e5%ae%9d-%e7%91%a0%e7%92%83%e5%85%89%e5%af%ba%e4%ba%94%e9%87%8d%e5%a1%94","status":"publish","type":"travelpost","link":"https:\/\/www.allway-japan.com\/en\/travelpost\/22021\/","title":{"rendered":"RURIK\u014cJI TEMPLE and FIVE-STORIED PAGODA (National treasure)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Outline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the height of the early \u014cuchi clan, the 25th head, \u014cuchi Yoshihiro, invited Zen Master Shippeshikai to the present-day K\u014dzan Park and founded K\u014dshakuji Temple.\nIn 1399 (\u014cei 6), Yoshihiro died in battle against Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in Sensh\u016b.\nTo honor his brother\u2019s spirit, the 26th head, \u014cuchi Morimi, began constructing the Five-Storied Pagoda at K\u014dshakuji Temple. However, Morimi was killed in battle against the Sh\u014dni clan of Kyushu before its completion.\nThe Five-Storied Pagoda was later completed around 1442 (Kakitsu 2).
After some time, following the Battle of Sekigahara, M\u014dri Terumoto relocated to Hagi and moved K\u014dshakuji Temple there.\nIn its place, Rurikoji Temple was relocated from Niho to the original site.\nThis is the present-day Rurikoji Temple that stands today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the existing five-storied pagodas in Japan, it is the 10th oldest and is considered one of the Three Great Pagodas of Japan, renowned for its beauty.\nIt is also regarded as the most outstanding architectural work of the mid-Muromachi period.\nThe other two Three Great Pagodas of Japan are located at:\nH\u014dry\u016bji Temple in Nara Prefecture\nDaigoji Temple in Kyoto Prefecture\nIn addition, Rurikoji Temple's pagoda, with its hinoki-bark roof, is one of the few remaining examples of this architectural style, along with those at:\nMur\u014dji Temple and Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture\nItsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This National Treasure, the Five-Storied Pagoda, stands gracefully against the backdrop of cherry blossoms and maple trees on the hillside, serving as a symbol of Yamaguchi tourism and elegantly conveying the legacy of \u014cuchi culture.\nAdditionally, the pagoda is illuminated from sunset until 10:00 PM, making it a spectacular sight to behold even at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The structure of the five-storied pagoda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Five-Storied Pagoda stands 31.2 meters tall up to the tip of the sorin (finial). Each tier has widely extended eaves, and the hinoki-bark roof has a gentle slope.\nThe pagoda body becomes progressively narrower toward the top, giving it a slim and refined appearance. In contrast, the first tier is relatively tall, with thicker pillars and a surrounding balcony with railings on the second tier, giving the structure a sense of stability.\nSince the Kamakura period, three architectural styles have emerged:\nWayo (Japanese style)\nKara-yo (Chinese Zen style)\nTenjiku-yo (Great Buddha style)\nThis pagoda primarily follows the Wayo style, with some Zen elements incorporated, and features minimal decoration, which is characteristic of Muromachi period architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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