Daigoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda

Daigo-ji Five-Story Pagoda: Kyoto's Oldest Surviving Wooden Structure

Rising 38 meters above the tranquil grounds of Daigo-ji temple in southeastern Kyoto, the Five-Story Pagoda (Gojū-no-tō) stands as the oldest surviving wooden building in all of Kyoto Prefecture. Completed in 951 during the mid-Heian period, this magnificent pagoda has endured wars, earthquakes, and typhoons for over a thousand years, silently witnessing the passing of centuries while remaining a powerful symbol of imperial devotion and Shingon Buddhist faith.

Designated as a National Treasure of Japan, the pagoda is not only an architectural masterpiece but also houses another separate National Treasure within its walls: exquisite murals depicting the sacred Mandala of the Two Realms and the Eight Patriarchs of Shingon Buddhism. Together with the broader Daigo-ji temple complex, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

A Monument Born of Imperial Devotion

The story of the Five-Story Pagoda is deeply intertwined with the imperial family of 10th-century Japan. Emperor Daigo, who had placed deep faith in Daigo-ji temple and even took his posthumous name from it, passed away in 930 at the age of 46. In the year following his death, his third son, Prince Yoakira (Daimyō Shinnō), conceived a plan to build a five-story pagoda to pray for his father's spiritual repose. The project was authorized by Empress Dowager Onshi (Yasuko).

However, the construction proved to be a long and challenging endeavor. Prince Yoakira himself died in 937, and work stalled. Emperor Suzaku, the first prince and elder brother, took over the project, but it was not until the reign of Emperor Murakami, the second prince, that the pagoda was finally completed in 951—a full twenty years after it was first planned. The pagoda thus embodies the devotion of two imperial sons and the prayers of their mother, Empress Onshi, all dedicated to the memory of Emperor Daigo.

Why It Was Designated a National Treasure

The Daigo-ji Five-Story Pagoda holds extraordinary significance in the history of Japanese architecture and art. It was first designated as an Important Cultural Property (then called a "Special Treasure") in 1897, and elevated to National Treasure status in 1951.

There are several reasons why this pagoda is considered so valuable. First, it is the oldest verified wooden structure in Kyoto Prefecture, one of the very few surviving Heian-period buildings in the city. While many of Kyoto's great temples were destroyed in the devastating Ōnin War (1467–1477), the Five-Story Pagoda at Daigo-ji was one of the rare structures to survive intact.

Second, the pagoda represents a precious example of mid-Heian period architectural style. Its proportions are distinctly different from later pagodas: the roofs diminish sharply in size from the first to the fifth story, and the tower body is relatively low, giving the structure a broad, stable appearance rather than the slender profile seen in later centuries. The sorin (the metal finial spire at the top) measures approximately 12.8 meters, accounting for more than one-third of the pagoda's total 38-meter height—a characteristic feature of Heian-era pagoda design that adds to its majestic impression.

Third, the interior murals of the first story are designated as a separate National Treasure in the category of "painting." These murals, completed at the same time as the pagoda in 951, are ranked alongside the paintings in the Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in as the most important surviving examples of Heian-period wall painting in Japan.

The Sacred Murals: A National Treasure Within a National Treasure

Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the Five-Story Pagoda is its interior artwork. The inner walls and pillars of the first story are adorned with elaborate paintings of the Ryōkai Mandala (Mandala of the Two Realms) and the Eight Patriarchs of Shingon Buddhism (Shingon Hasso).

The Ryōkai Mandala consists of two complementary representations: the Kongō-kai (Diamond Realm) Mandala, symbolizing the unchanging cosmic truth, and the Taizō-kai (Womb Realm) Mandala, representing the dynamic manifestation of Buddhahood in the world. These sacred diagrams are central to Shingon Buddhist practice and doctrine.

The paintings are distributed across the central pillar covers (shinchū ōita), the four heavenly pillars (shitenchū), the lattice windows (renjimado), and the lower wall panels (koshi hameita), creating an immersive three-dimensional sacred space. Art historians note that the painting style bridges two eras: while rooted in the tradition of early Heian esoteric Buddhist art, the murals also show the early emergence of the elegant, graceful Fujiwara style that would come to define the next period of Japanese aesthetics. This makes them invaluable as a benchmark work of 10th-century Japanese painting.

A Thousand Years of Survival

The pagoda's survival through over a millennium of natural disasters and human conflict is remarkable. During the Ōnin War in the late 15th century, virtually all of the Shimo-Daigo (Lower Daigo) buildings were burned to the ground—except for the Five-Story Pagoda, which miraculously survived.

In 1586, the Tenshō earthquake caused significant damage, with parts of the eaves sagging dangerously. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the great warlord who famously held his legendary cherry blossom viewing party at Daigo-ji, provided funds for extensive repairs, which were completed in 1598.

More recently, Typhoon Jane in 1950 inflicted further damage, and restoration work was completed in 1960. Through each crisis, the pagoda has been carefully maintained and repaired, preserving its essential Heian-period character for future generations.

Highlights and What to See

Visitors approaching the pagoda through the Niōmon Gate and along the cherry tree-lined path of the Garan (main temple complex) area will first be struck by the pagoda's distinctive silhouette. Notice the broad proportions and the impressive sorin spire, which gives the structure its characteristic Heian-era profile.

While the interior is not normally open to the public, there is a special opportunity each month: on the 29th of every month (the anniversary of Emperor Daigo's death), the temple holds the "Gojū Daitō Kaihi Nōkyō Hōyō" (Five-Story Pagoda Opening and Sutra Dedication Ceremony). Visitors who participate in the sutra-copying offering (shakyo) and pay an additional fee of 1,000 yen (on top of the regular admission) can view the interior murals through the four opened doors of the first story during the ceremony.

Beyond the pagoda itself, the Garan area offers several other notable sights, including the Kondō (Main Hall, also a National Treasure), the vermilion-lacquered Bentendō Hall reflected beautifully in its surrounding pond, and the Seiryūgū Shrine. The entire area is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season.

Daigo-ji Temple: The Broader Complex

Daigo-ji is the head temple of the Shingon Daigo-ha sect, founded in 874 by the monk Shōbō (Rigen Daishi), a grand-disciple of Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). The temple's vast grounds span the entirety of Mount Daigo (Kasatoriyama), divided into the Upper Daigo (Kami-Daigo) on the mountaintop and the Lower Daigo (Shimo-Daigo) at the base.

The temple preserves approximately 150,000 cultural treasures, including a remarkable 75,522 items designated as National Treasures—among the highest numbers of any single temple in Japan. The Sanbō-in sub-temple, with its famous garden said to have been designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the Reihōkan Museum, which houses rotating exhibitions of the temple's vast art collection, are also must-see destinations within the complex.

Daigo-ji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu Cities)."

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Daigo-ji is located in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto, offering easy access to several other notable sites. The famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates, is a short train ride away. The Uji area, home to the World Heritage Byōdō-in temple and renowned for its green tea, is also nearby.

Within walking distance of the temple, visitors can explore the charming neighborhood and enjoy local cuisine. The Zuishin-in temple, associated with the Heian-period poetess Ono no Komachi, is a pleasant 15-minute walk to the north.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the mountain trail from Lower Daigo to Upper Daigo takes approximately one hour on foot and passes through beautiful natural scenery, with several Important Cultural Property buildings along the way.

Seasonal Highlights

Daigo-ji is particularly famous as a cherry blossom destination, with approximately 1,000 cherry trees of various types blooming from mid-March through April. The tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing) at Daigo-ji dates back to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary "Daigo no Hanami" party in 1598, and each spring the temple recreates this event with the "Hōtaikō Hanami Gyōretsu" (Grand Cherry Blossom Procession).

Autumn brings brilliant foliage, and the temple holds special evening illumination events during which the Garan area, including the Five-Story Pagoda, is dramatically lit up. The reflection of the crimson Bentendō Hall and surrounding maples in the pond creates an unforgettable scene.

In winter, the temple participates in special cultural property openings, such as "Kyō no Fuyu no Tabi" (Kyoto Winter Journey), which sometimes offers rare access to normally restricted areas.