Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)

A landmark in the Yasaka area with a beautiful silhouette

It is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, belonging to the Kennin-ji School of the Rinzai Sect. It is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku following a revelation in a dream. The present pagoda was rebuilt by Yoshinori ASHIKAGA in Eikyo 12 (1440) and is a pure Japanese style building. All the other monasteries were destroyed by fire during the Onin War, but only this five-storied pagoda remains.

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  After going down Sannei-zaka Slope and passing the bifurcation of Ninnei-zaka Slope, you will see a superb view of Yasaka Tower. Inside the pagoda, you can see the first and second layers of the inner sanctum, where the principal image of Buddha, Gochi Nyorai, is enshrined.

• The highlight is this

  The inside of the pagoda can be viewed up to the first and second levels, and the principal image of Gochi Nyorai is enshrined in the inner sanctum.