Yasaka Pagoda (Gojunoto), Hōkan-ji Temple — Local services in Kyoto

Let’s talk about structure, legacy, and the kind of verticality you don’t get from a WeWork lease. Welcome to Hōkan-ji’s Five-Story Pagoda, the architectural equivalent of a mic drop from the year 592. Yeah — that’s not a typo. This five-tiered marvel has been standing since before your ancestors figured out plumbing.

You start the stroll in Higashiyama, and bam — there it is: the Yasaka-no-Tō, perfectly framed between Edo-period streets and the subtle chaos of Kyoto tourism. Wooden facades line the cobblestone path like a samurai Netflix set, and looming above it all is this absurdly elegant pagoda stacked like a historical Big Mac… but beautiful. No mayo. Just soul.

Each story of the tower radiates a serene strength, like it’s holding up the sky with calm, Buddhist indifference. And it does all this while quietly flexing its seismic engineering chops — spoiler: it’s still standing after countless earthquakes. Your Airbnb barely survived a misaligned WiFi router.

We visited early. That was smart. Later in the morning, the crowd density rivals a Tokyo train at rush hour, but in linen and sun hats. You want the clean shot with no photobombs? Be there by 7:30 AM or start Photoshopping later.

The interior? Closed to the public most of the time. But the view from the street is already spiritual. You feel it. Not in a religious way (I’m an atheist — my temples are data, dogs, and deadlifts), but in that “wow, we’ve built nothing this beautiful in 1,000 years” kind of way.

Bottom line? If you’re in Kyoto and you skip this? That’s like going to Florence and saying “I’m good on the Duomo.” Don’t be that person. Grab your camera, your curiosity, and your respect for things older — and more...

The five-storied pagoda is a quintessential symbol of traditional Japanese architecture, steeped in cultural and religious significance. Found in Buddhist temples across Japan, these pagodas are inspired by ancient Indian stupas and Chinese architectural styles, but with distinct Japanese features that reflect local craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Each tier of the pagoda represents one of the five elements in Buddhist cosmology: earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fu), and void (ku). Together, these elements symbolize the interconnectedness of life and the universe. The pinnacle, often adorned with a sōrin (a spire-like structure), signifies a sacred connection between heaven and earth.

One of the most famous five-storied pagodas in Japan is located at Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto. Standing at 55 meters tall, it is the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another renowned example is the pagoda at Hōryū-ji, Nara, one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, dating back to the 7th century.

The construction of these pagodas is an engineering marvel, designed to withstand earthquakes. The central wooden pillar, known as the shinbashira, provides flexibility, allowing the structure to sway and absorb seismic shocks.

Beyond their architectural brilliance, five-storied pagodas are spiritual symbols, inviting reflection and serenity. Whether nestled in a bustling city or surrounded by tranquil nature, these timeless structures continue to inspire awe, serving as bridges between history, religion, and...

During my recent stay in Kyoto, Japan, I had the incredible fortune of staying at a hotel just a few buildings away from Hokan-ji Gojunoto (Yasakanoto, Five Story Pagoda). This architectural marvel is a sight to behold, and the proximity to it made our stay even more special.

To my pleasant surprise, our hotel room offered a direct view of the Five Story Pagoda. Seeing this exquisite structure from our living room was a truly unique experience. The pagoda, standing majestically against the Kyoto skyline, was especially breathtaking late at night. After the crowds had dispersed, the pagoda was beautifully lit, creating a serene and almost mystical atmosphere. The quiet of the empty streets only added to the beauty of the scene.

One of my favorite memories from the trip was watching anime in our hotel room, with the stunning view of the Five Story Pagoda in the background. It was a perfect blend of modern Japanese culture and historic architecture. The pagoda, with its elegant and intricate design, provided a serene backdrop, making the experience of watching anime in its presence quite surreal and enjoyable.

In conclusion, staying near Hokan-ji Gojunoto in Kyoto was an unforgettable experience. The combination of the beautifully lit pagoda at night, the tranquility of the area, and the comfort of our gorgeous hotel room made for an amazing time. It's a memory that will stay with me for a long time, and I would highly recommend experiencing this beautiful sight to anyone...