Ancient Temple Where Both the Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda Are National Treasures—Concluding the Journey
About this spot
A Shingon Buddhist temple standing quietly on the banks of the Ashida River at the foot of Mount Atagi. Its greatest distinction is that both the main hall and five-story pagoda are designated National Treasures. The main hall exemplifies the eclectic style blending Japanese and Chinese architectural traditions, its gracefully curved roof catching the evening light beautifully. The adjacent five-story pagoda is said to have been built through the '一文勧進' (ichimon kanjin) method, where common people contributed small amounts of money. It ranks among Japan's oldest National Treasure pagodas. Legend holds that the port town of Kusado Sengen, encountered in the museum this afternoon, once flourished at this temple's gates—and thus your day's sightseeing comes full circle into a single narrative. Climb the stone steps and conclude your journey in the serene temple grounds.
Tips
About 10 minutes by taxi from Rose Park, or approximately 30 minutes on foot. The temple grounds are free to visit, but stone steps require careful footing. The interiors of the main hall and five-story pagoda are normally closed to the public, though the exteriors are well worth viewing. Buses to Fukuyama Station or taxis are convenient for the return journey.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour. The late afternoon, when slanting light illuminates the vermilion-lacquered pagoda, is the most beautiful time.
Access & map
〒720-0831 Hiroshima Prefecture Fukuyama City, Kusado-cho, 1473
Model course featuring this spot
Fukuyama: Fukuyama Castle, Rose Park & Station-Front Museum Stroll
Hiroshima
Explore features & model courses
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