Alex Wong
Yasaka Pagoda is truly an icon of Kyoto—perfect for photos. It looks even more beautiful at night when it’s lit up. The nearby stone-paved streets and traditional buildings make it a great spot for Instagram shots.
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Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
An iconic Yasaka Pagoda towers over the streets at this famed Kyoto temple in the Higashiyama district.
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Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Hokan-ji is a Rinzai sect (Kennin-ji branch) temple most famous for its five-story pagoda, widely known as Yasaka no Tō. This iconic structure is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks.
Legend points to the temples founding in 589 by Prince Shōtoku, with the current pagoda rebuilt in 1440 under Ashikaga Yoshinori. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Cultural Property of Japan, the pagoda stands about 46 meters tall, ranking among the tallest wooden five-story pagodas in the country. Its design features a central pillar (shinbashira) that provides seismic resistance, and inside are enshrined the Five Wisdom Buddhas (Dainichi, Shaka, Ashuku, Hōshō, and Amida). Visitors can access the first and second floors, where they can view Buddhist statues and architectural details rarely seen up close. However, since the interior is only open irregularly, checking in advance is recommended.
Situated almost halfway between Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, and within walking distance of Gion, the pagoda is surrounded by traditional townhouses, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing while soaking up Kyoto’s rich history and culture.
Highlights
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A Rinzai Zen (Kennin-ji branch) temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, better known as Yasaka Pagoda.
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Said to have been founded in 592, and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
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Its five-story pagoda stands about 46 meters tall, making it one of the tallest of its kind in the country.
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The enshrined Five Wisdom Buddhas, wall paintings, and pillar structure hold great historical and architectural significance.
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A popular sightseeing spot located near Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine.
Photos
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A stone-paved approach lined with traditional townhouses and souvenir shops.
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The round eaves tiles are engraved with the characters for “Yasaka Tō”.
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The silhouette of the pagoda against the evening sky is particularly breathtaking.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Can I receive a goshuin (temple stamp)?
A
Yes, goshuin are available at the temple reception.
Q
Is parking available?
A
Not available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
Reviews
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 法観寺（八坂の塔）
- Postal Code
- 605-0827
- Address
- 388 Yasakakamimachi, Kyoto City, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Telephone
- 075-551-2417
- Closed
- Irregular holidays
- Business Hours
- 10:00am - 3:00pm (Note: Visitors under junior high school age are not permitted to enter.)
- Admission
- 400yen
- Access
- About a 5-minute walk from the city bus stops Higashiyama Yasui or Kiyomizu-michi.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted