The five-storied pagoda of Ruriko-ji Temple in Yamaguchi City is known as one of the three greatest pagodas in Japan.

This beautiful five-storied pagoda, designated as a national treasure, was built in the 15^th century and is highly reputed as one of the best pagodas in Japan alongside those of Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto and Horyu-ji Temple in Nara.  The architectural style of the pagoda, 31 meters high, basically is in Japanese style with a five-layer cypress-bark roof, but is partly in Chinese style.  Ruriko-ji Buddhist Temple with the pagoda standing in its grounds, was built in the 14^th century as the family temple of the Ouchi clan, who ruled Yamaguchi area at that time.  They introduced Kyoto’s refined culture into Yamaguchi, a remote area from Kyoto.

It is said that the coffin of Ouchi Yoshihiro, who established the golden age of the Ouchi clan, is buried under the pagoda.

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