Japan
Tokyo Pagodas: A Spiritual Journey
Article and photography by Steve Gillick
Visitors to Japan have been marveling at Pagodas since the 7th century. While originating in India, the idea of a holy reliquary, first to house relics of Buddha and then to include holy scriptures, followed the spread of Buddhism to China, and then to Japan. Tokyo is home to five of Japan’s 81 pagodas, offering soaring beauty, symmetry, and solace, and representing the spiritual journey that ascends through the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.
Senso-ji Temple Pagoda – Asakusa – One of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, welcomes over 30 million visitors annually. The five-storied pagoda, initially built in 942 to hold Buddha’s ashes, was rebuilt in 1973, standing at 53.32 meters high and making it the country’s second tallest.
While very crowded during the day, Senso-ji becomes tranquil after sunset, allowing for a peaceful illuminated encounter with the main buildings and the pagoda.
Kyu Kaneiji Pagoda – Ueno – Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s must-visit destinations, offering a wide range of attractions, including Cherry Blossom viewing, several of the National Museums, and historic shrines and temples. Located within Ueno Zoo, the 36-meter five-storied Kyu Kaneiji pagoda dates back to 1639 and has remained intact since. The name is a reminder that Ueno Park lies on the former grounds of the Toeizan Kan’eiji Temple, whose purpose was to protect the Tokugawa Shogunate, six of whom are buried nearby.
Entsukaku Pagoda – Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – Originally constructed in Hiroshima in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1622, the three-storied Entsukaku pagoda was painstakingly relocated to the garden of the Hotel Chinzanso in 1925. Views from the rooms and suites reveal the pagoda peaking through the morning’ sea of clouds’, and illuminated amidst the lush garden in the evening.
Gotokuji Pagoda – The Cat Temple – Tokyo visitors pounce on the idea of visiting Gotokuji, famous for its thousands of beckoning cat figurines, known as Maneki-Neko, waving in “good luck.”
Nearby is a 22.5-meter-high three-storied wooden pagoda, inaugurated in 2006. It blends into the serenity of the garden, reinforcing Buddhism’s deep connection with nature.
Ikegami Honmonji Pagoda – Ikegami Honmonji Temple, dedicated to the Buddhist sage Nichiren, is home to the Kanto region’s oldest five-storied pagoda, built in 1608. This hilltop temple also features a scenic lookout.
Tokyo provides enlightening ways for travellers to reflect on the mystique of the pagoda and to continue their own spiritual journey.
