Discover the National Treasure Pagoda and the Finest Zen Garden

Have you been to the westernmost of the mainland Japan? Yamaguchi prefecture is at the end of Chugoku prefecture just before entering Kyushu region. In fact, it’s one of the least visited prefecture in Japan by tourists and there are many hidden attractions to discover. (For your note, the current Japanese prime minister “Shinzo Abe” is from Yamaguchi prefecture!) I would like to introduce two of the most amazing places in Yamaguchi city, one and only sophisticated temple and authentic Japanese garden.

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Rurikoji Temple

Rurikoji Temple is a Buddhist temple and was built in 1442 during Muromachi period.

It is little known but Rurikoji Temple’s 5 storied pagoda was chosen as one of the 3 greatest Pagodas in Japan (other 2 are Horyuji Temple in Nara and Daigoji Temple in Kyoto) and it’s designated as a National Treasure and also called “the Kyoto of west”.

The site consists of the pagoda, pond, approach, inner gate and the main hall where you can visit to worship.

The night light up of the pagoda is held everyday after sunset to 23:00.

Hours : Always open

Fees : Free

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Joeiji Temple Sesshu Garden

About 10 mins drive from Rurikoji Temple, here is another great Zen temple called Joeiji and its beautiful garden. Sesshu gardern is named after Sesshu who is a well-known monk painter in 15th century and a very important person for Japanese art history. The master of ink and wash painting also designed several gardens including this one.

Visitors can enjoy views of Sesshu garden from the main temple building and explore inside the building. The temple consists with stone inner garden and huge Zen garden on the backyard.

There is a trail path along the pond which takes around 20 mins to walk around. Enjoy the view of the garden and temple’s main building from the other side!

Hours : 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from October to March) 
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time

Fees : 300 yen

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