A dive into monastic history (and a handy tip!)
On Miyajima Island, beyond the famous floating shrine, there's another spot worth a stop: the temple that houses the iconic five‑story pagoda (Gojūnotō). But beware – currently the pagoda itself is closed for renovation, so you can't get up close to it. However, the temple section proper is open and accessible.
There's a small entrance fee of just a few hundred yen (very affordable), and you enter barefoot, as tradition dictates. Inside is a large wooden structure where you can still feel the atmosphere of the past: you can observe the spaces where monks once lived and prayed – simple yet deeply spiritual rooms. Even today, on certain days of the year, religious ceremonies are still held here, proving that this is a living place, not just a museum.
I highly recommend it, perhaps on your way back towards the ferry port, before leaving the island. It's a short but meaningful stop that completes the cultural picture of Miyajima. And if the pagoda is under scaffolding, never mind – the temple itself is already well worth the visit.
We came across this five storied pagoda while exploring the Itsukushima Shrine area on Miyajima Island. Although we didn’t go inside, it was still incredible to see up close and admire the craftsmanship from the outside. It stands tall above the surrounding village rooftops and offers beautiful photo angles from several directions.
Built in 1407, the pagoda combines traditional Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Its brilliant red colour and elegant curves contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery and wooden structures nearby. Each tier tapers upward with precision, and the pagoda stands approximately 27 meters high, creating a bold vertical presence on the hill.
There’s a relaxing atmosphere around it despite how many visitors to the island there were. It’s located near Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine), another impressive structure that’s worth checking out while you're in the area. Walking through the small streets that lead to the pagoda feels like stepping back in time.
While the main draw of Miyajima is often the famous floating torii gate, the Gojūnotō is an equally memorable sight and a key part of the island’s rich historical and spiritual landscape. Even just from the outside as part of your visit to Itsukushima, its worth a look.
Magestic and stunningly colorful temple in Itsukushima island. The pagota appears outstanding with vibrant colors and detailed structures. A stairs leading to the pagoda. At the top platform, one can have a partial view of the island below. Not too crowded here as the temple is off the main path, visitors should enter the location on Google map for direction.
Last year on Nov 2024 was here. Beautiful building with great construction. Many people come to view this Pagoda and temple.
Stunning five-tiered red Pagoda tower designating Japanese and Chinese architecture was built in 1407 stands on a hill near the Honden front shrine of Itsukushima Shrine.
This pagoda initially used to enshrine a statue of Gautama Buddha and also statues of the bodhisattvas Samantabhadra and Manjushri, but these were moved to the Daiganji Temple on the opposite shore during the anti-Buddhism during 1868-1912 haibutsu kishaku movement of the Meiji period. Today, the pagoda has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.
