What other travelers are saying about Toyokuni five-story pagoda
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.
More about Toyokuni five-story pagoda from our blog
Frequently Asked Questions
The pagoda stands approximately 27 meters (89 feet) tall, making it a prominent feature in the landscape of Miyajima.
The interior of the pagoda is not typically open to the public, but visitors can admire its exterior design, which includes detailed woodwork and vibrant red and white colors.
The pagoda was built to honor the Buddha and to serve as a reliquary for sacred Buddhist texts. It also reflects the cultural exchange between Japan and China during the Muromachi period.
There is no separate entrance fee for viewing the pagoda from the outside. It is part of the scenic landscape near the Itsukushima Shrine.
The pagoda is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular for their cherry blossoms and colorful foliage.
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.
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.
One of the oldest and known as original 5 story pagoda built in 1407 on the top of small hill by Itsukushima shrine. You can not enter, however, can get quite close to the building itself. The shrines requires admission fee, but there is no admission fee for the pagoda. The view of bay is also nice. It is not much of a hike, and highly recommended!
