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Kyoto Mist
Index
Hokanji Temple
Gojo-zaka Pottery Festival
Momiji Season in Kyoto
Kiyomizu Temple
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Kyoto's Eternal Symbol:
Hokanji Temple |
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Yasaka Pagoda (west side) |
Situated in the eastern quarter of
Kyoto, between Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, is Hokanji Temple -
also known as Yasaka Pagoda. It is to Kyoto what the Eiffel Tower is to
Paris - the eternal symbol of a city steeped in history and culture.
According to historical records, it was constructed by Prince Shotoku
Taishi (exact date unknown) in dedication to Buddha. In 948 AD, it was
realigned in a massive reconstruction project after starting to lean
precariously to one side. Unfortunately, it could not escape calamity
for very long.
In 1179, the pagoda was burned down during a squabble between the rival
forces of Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. It was re-erected in 1191
under order of Shogun Minamoto Yorimoto but destroyed by fire in 1291,
and again in 1436.
The present structure was re-erected in 1440 by Shogun Yoshinori
Ashikaga and has remained standing ever since.
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Unlike the grandeur of the original
temple grounds centuries ago, Hokanji Temple sits on a modest plot of
land lined by machi-nami (row houses) and souvenir shops.
Standing 46 meters high (151 feet), Yasaka Pagoda is registered as an
important cultural property. It is built around a single, massive wooden
shaft which runs the entire height of the structure. Another interesting
design feature is the complex system of inter-locking joints which
support the weight of the five, heavily-tiled stages.
Visitors who venture inside are greeted by four intricately carved wooden statues
of Buddha positioned around the central shaft, each solemnly facing the
four corners of the world.
Brave visitors can climb a series of steep stairs to the top of the
pagoda and peer out tiny windows to see the urban sprawl of 21st century
Kyoto.
Though the view outside is lacking, the small discoveries within are
worth the effort. When your eyes adjust to the darkness, you'll find
fading images from an age long past elaborately painted on every wall.
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The well-attended garden surrounding
the base of the temple offers a shaded place for visitors to enjoy
viewing the main pagoda.
Although other historical sites like Kinkaku-ji (Gold Pavilion) attract
far more visitors, Yasaka Pagoda is only a 5-minute walk (west) off of
Ninen-zaka - the famous street leading up to majestic Kiyomizu Temple.
Well worth the extra time to see the eternal symbol of this magnificent
city.
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