One of the recommend places to see when you visit Kyoto is "Yasaka Pagoda". This five-tier pagoda is also known as "Ho-kanji Temple" and this is a symbol of the Higashiyama district. It is said that the pagoda was established by Prince Shotoku in the second year of Emperor Sushun`s reign in 589. Three Buddhist relics were collected for the establishment of this temple and a prayer is made for stability of the nation.
The pagoda is 46 meters in height and was last built in 1440 by Ashikaga Yoshinori, making it the oldest pagoda in Kyoto. The roofs are "honkawara-buki"style and its unique shape was designed to protect the pagoda from the rain and strong wind.
Once you go inside the building you will see a long pillar that goes all the way up to the top. This pillar is only held by a foundation stone on the ground and a pagoda finial on the top, keeping the whole pagoda in balance. Three Buddhist relics were buried inside a foundation stone here.↓
Religiously, this pillar is like a "artery" that connects three Buddhist relics with a pagoda finial which is believed as Buddha`s grave.
Other recommended places to see or go around the pagoda include;
- Kiyomizu Temple
-Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka and Ichinenzaka
-Nene-no-michi or Nene Road
-Ishibe-koji or Ishibe Path
-Kodaiji Temple
-Entokuin Temple
Access from Kohakuan (Approximately 12 minutes)
1.Take the Bus 202 or 207 from Sennyuji-michi Bus Stop
2.Get off at Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop
3. Walk to Yasaka Pagoda
Access from Shikokuan
-Walk towards the east for 20-25 minutes
I hope this will help to explore the Higashiyama area. Have a good day!
Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto
Tel: (81) 75 708 5610
Fax: (81) 75 708 5611
Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com
Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744
2.Get off at Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop
3. Walk to Yasaka Pagoda
Access from Shikokuan
-Walk towards the east for 20-25 minutes
I hope this will help to explore the Higashiyama area. Have a good day!
Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto
Tel: (81) 75 708 5610
Fax: (81) 75 708 5611
Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com
Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744
