Ruriko-ji Five Story Pagoda
Chugoku Region
Rurikō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Yamaguchi city, Japan, renowned for its Muromachi period Five-story Pagoda, designated as a National Treasure. The temple belongs to the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism and enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai. The pagoda stands 31.2 meters tall and is notable for its unique architectural features, including the use of cypress bark shingles on its roofs and a cornice only on the second story. It is the tenth oldest five-story pagoda in Japan and incorporates Chinese stylistic elements such as inverted lotus-shaped ornaments. The temple complex also includes a museum displaying models and documents related to the pagoda, as well as historical buildings like Chinryūtei, which hosted secret meetings instrumental in forming the Satchō Alliance that led to the Meiji Restoration. The surrounding Kōzan Cemetery contains tombs of the Mōri clan leaders, further enriching the site's cultural heritage. Located within Kōzan Park, the pagoda is surrounded by seasonal flora such as cherry blossoms and plum trees, enhancing its serene atmosphere and making it a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Astuce: Visit during spring (late March) to enjoy the cherry blossoms illuminating the pagoda, or in early February to March for plum blossoms. The pagoda is beautifully lit up until 10 PM, offering a spectacular night view. Consider purchasing tickets in advance during peak seasons and check for special exhibitions or limited-time displays of sacred statues relocated outside the pagoda. Discounts may be available for groups and seniors. The site is accessible by a 30-minute train ride from Yamaguchi Station, followed by a short walk through Kōzan Park.
Faits intéressants
- •The Rurikō-ji pagoda is the tenth oldest five-story pagoda in Japan.
- •Its roofs are covered with traditional hinoki cypress bark shingles instead of tiles.
- •The pagoda features Chinese-influenced architectural details such as inverted lotus-shaped ornaments on the first-floor railings.
- •The temple museum displays models of 55 major five-story pagodas from across Japan.
- •Chinryūtei, a building on the grounds, was the site of secret meetings that led to the Satchō Alliance, pivotal in the Meiji Restoration.
- •The surrounding Kōzan Cemetery is part of the National Historic Site honoring the Mōri clan leaders.
Histoire
The original temple on this site, Kōshaku-ji, was founded in the late 14th century by Ōuchi Yoshihiro.
After his death in battle, his brother Ōuchi Moriakira commissioned the pagoda in his memory, completed in 1442.
The temple complex underwent significant changes after the fall of the Ōuchi clan, with parts relocated by the Mōri clan.
The current Rurikō-ji temple was moved to this location in 1690, inheriting the original temple's name.
Over centuries, the pagoda has remained a prominent example of Muromachi architecture and a symbol of the cultural flourishing under the Ōuchi clan in the Chugoku region.
Guide du lieu
Five Story Pagoda1442
The centerpiece of the temple complex, this 31.2-meter tall pagoda is a masterpiece of Muromachi period architecture. Notable for its elegant proportions, unique roofing with cypress bark shingles, and Chinese-influenced design elements, it houses a circular altar with statues of Amida Nyorai and Ōuchi Yoshihiro.
Temple Museum
Exhibits models and documents related to the pagoda and showcases models of 55 other major five-story pagodas from various regions of Japan, offering insights into pagoda architecture and history.
Chinryūtei
A historical building where secret meetings between Chōshū and Satsuma domain representatives took place, leading to the formation of the Satchō Alliance that played a critical role in overthrowing the Tokugawa shogunate.
Kōzan Cemetery
The burial site of the last leaders of the Mōri clan, including the 13th daimyō Mōri Takachika and his family. It is part of a National Historic Site encompassing multiple Mōri clan cemeteries in the region.
Contact
Téléphone: 083-922-2409