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YAMAGUCHI — The five-story pagoda at Rurikoji temple in Yamaguchi has completed major restoration work. The pagoda is a national treasure and a significant emblem of the city.

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A celebration took place on April 23 to mark the completion of the project. Approximately 200 attendees were present, including individuals who contributed to the restoration efforts.

The temple tower was constructed during the Muromachi era (1336-1573). It stands at 31.2 meters in height and features a roof covered with cypress bark. It is thought that the structure was erected as a memorial to Ouchi Yoshihiro, a significant military figure from that period.

The roof was completely fixed in 1952 and partially restored in 1998. However, it deteriorated over time, leading to major restoration efforts between November 2022 and December 2025. Employees fixed the roof, the upper section of the pagoda, and the porch. The project cost approximately 760 million yen (around $4.77 million).

At the event, Yamaguchi Governor Tsugumasa Muraoka stated, “Its beautiful look throughout the year represents Yamaguchi Prefecture.” Yamaguchi Mayor Kazuki Ito mentioned, “We aim to introduce the charm of Yamaguchi’s historical and cultural heritage, exemplified by the five-story pagoda, to people in Japan and overseas.”

The temple’s main priest, Hakushi Watanabe, stated, “The project was carried out with immense commitment, and the roof now appears nearly identical to its original construction.”

(Japanese original by Saiji Fujita, Yamaguchi Bureau)

Vocabulary

pagoda: a high temple structure featuring multiple layers of roofs

National Treasure: Something of great significance in Japan’s culture and history

ceremony: a special event

porch: a wooden platform or pathway surrounding a structure

acknowledgment: relentless effort and deep concern for a subject