Joruriji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (Kutaiji Three-Storied Pagoda)

A Heian Pagoda Moved from Kyoto

The Joruriji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (Kutaiji Three-Storied Pagoda) (浄瑠璃寺三重塔（九体寺三重塔）) is the late Heian three-storied pagoda of Joruriji in Nishi, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a three-bay, three-storey pagoda with a cypress-bark roof.

According to the Agency, it was moved here in 1178 from Ichijo Omiya in Kyoto and is thought to date from the Heian period.

Design

According to the Agency, it is a slender three-storey pagoda whose three-stepped brackets carry deep eaves on each storey; the gently pitched rafters and cypress-bark roofs with truly curved eaves create a graceful, light design.

An inscription on the finial base records repairs in 1292; some details are Kamakura repairs, but the bracketing, rafters and eaves show Fujiwara-period style.

What to Look For

The Agency values it as a fine Heian three-storied pagoda, with brilliant colour inside the first storey that is a good source for Heian decorative painting.

Joruriji notes that the pagoda enshrines a wooden Yakushi Nyorai, and that the paintings of deities on the first-storey walls are presumed to date from restoration work in the late Kamakura period.

Visiting the Joruriji Temple Three-Storied Pagoda (Kutaiji Three-Storied Pagoda)

The tourism association suggests praying first to the Yakushi in the pagoda, then turning to the Amida of the main hall across the pond.

The temple's history and visiting information are on the Joruriji group page.