Recorded Joy·Rakutō / Higashiyama

Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji)

The five-story pagoda on the Higashiyama slope—the one everyone photographs—survives as part of the temple Hōkan-ji. Temple lore credits its founding to Prince Shōtoku, though that is doubted; still, seventh-century tiles and foundation stones unearthed on the grounds confirm an origin reaching back to the Asuka period. The present pagoda was rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshinori in 1440, and beneath its altar remains a large central foundation stone said to hold relics. Where a full seven-hall complex once stood, only the pagoda and two small halls now remain.

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These notes come from desk research. Local traditions vary.