Rurikoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda
瑠璃光寺五重塔
The five-story pagoda of Rurikoji Temple is a National Treasure and the symbol of Yamaguchi City. It was built in 1442, in the Muromachi period, and is counted as one of the three most beautiful pagodas in Japan. In that era the Ouchi clan built Yamaguchi as a town modeled on Kyoto. A large renovation replaced the cypress-bark roof for the first time in about 70 years, and the pagoda is lit up in the evening.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
The pagoda is lit up every evening from sunset until 22:00, all year.
- Admission
Viewing is free.
- Getting there
About 15 minutes by city community bus from JR Yamaguchi Station.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- The Kozan Park tourist information office is open 9:00–18:00.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- The pagoda's major renovation ran from 21 December 2023 to 31 December 2025. The interior is normally closed; it opens specially only from October to December 2026, and photography inside is not allowed.
- The pagoda is lit up every night until 10 pm.
- Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
- Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
- Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Yamaguchi and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Yamaguchi
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr05:02
- Sunrise06:37
- Dhuhr12:00
- Asr14:56
- Maghrib17:18
- Isha18:43
Times are calculated for Yamaguchi City. Times may differ elsewhere in Yamaguchi.
Places to pray near Rurikoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Rurikoji Temple Five-Story Pagoda
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
Reviews from visitors
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your visit.
Write a review
Map
Is something wrong or out of date? Please tell us so we can check again. Contact us →
Photo: Maria-Yamaguchi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): yamaguchi-tourism.jp, yamaguchi-city.jp