Ruriko-ji Five Story Pagoda

Rurikoji Five-Story Pagoda was built in 1442 (Kakitsu 2) by Morimi to honor the memory of Ouchi Yoshihiro, the 25th lord. The pagoda stands about 30 meters tall and features a beautifully gentle roofline with traditional cypress-bark roofing. This National Treasure five-story pagoda is a rare sight that can be seen only at a handful of places, including temples in Nara Prefecture, Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, and Rurikoji in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The temple is associated with the Soto Zen sect, and enshrines a seated statue of Amida Nyorai and a statue of Ouchi Yoshihiro. In spring, cherry blossoms add charm, and in autumn, the foliage is stunning. The beauty after sunset is also remarkable. It is said to be the 10th-oldest five-story pagoda still remaining in Japan, and its elegance is counted among Japan’s Three Great Pagodas, making it a symbol of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Access to Rurikoji Five-Story Pagoda is about 15 minutes by car from Yamaguchi IC on the Chugoku Expressway. By public transportation, take a bus about 5 minutes from JR Yamaguchi Line “Yamaguchi Station,” get off at “Kencho-mae,” then walk about 10 minutes. Alternatively, use the Yamaguchi City community bus for about 15 minutes and get off at “Kozan Park Gojunoto-mae,” right nearby.