east pagoda - Nara

Five years ago, it was being dismantled and repaired and could not be seen, but this time the true pillar after the repair was open to the public.

It is a national treasure triple pagoda that retains its original appearance when Yakushiji was built. It is a tower with a graceful appearance, which is also described as "freezing music", and each layer has a Mokoshi floor, which makes it look like a six-storied pagoda.

A few minutes walk from Toshodaiji Temple. The beauty of this tower is a must-see even if you don't know the history

Park your car in the parking lot and pass in front of the world heritage stone monument from Kyuoka Hachimangu to get started. After passing through the Namdaemun, you will come to the appearance of the Kondo that spreads out in front of you. Koin Takada was run to the west in the business of promoting sutra-copying, and not only that, but the crystallization of the thoughts of the people involved in many Yakushi-ji temples is wonderful. The history, traditions, thoughts of people, and the spirits that have been passed down from the Nara period are all called "Yakushiji". "" Applies to Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple ... many temples. Also, when you come to the temple by train, there is an approach leading from Nishinokyo station to the Sutra-copying dojo. It seems that people haven't died for a day since the sutra-copying dojo was recommended to promote sutra-copying. On the left side of the sutra-copying dojo, the building of Genjo Sanzoin is eye-catching. The passion of "Futo" is transmitted. Entering the temple from the Yorakumon is another discovery. After the beginning of spring, it's the plum season. At Yakushiji, there are many plum trees such as red plum and white plum. I think it's nice to be able to come for that.

It can be said to be a symbol of Yakushiji One of the two triple towers ... Such an east tower is the oldest building in the precincts of Yakushiji. It can be traced back to the Hakuho period. It is also impressive that it remains in the appearance of the Nara period. The "Mokoshi" on each floor is really beautiful. What Fenollosa called "freezing music" I visited while remembering. This word is too famous. (The theory that it is not Fenollosa is actually a little ...) The water smoke with the celestial maiden and the flying clouds is also unique. Now, alongside the reconstructed West Pagoda It constitutes a beautiful landscape. □ Overview ★★★ The east tower is also called "freezing music" because of its rhythmic architectural beauty with overlapping large and small roofs. Repairs began in 2009. According to the temple, the construction of the building has been completed and the surrounding area such as the platform is being improved. During the open house, you can see the Shinbashira from the door of the first floor (1st floor) from the platform. Deputy chief priest Kitatsu said, "I hope many people can see the tower that has been standing for 1300 years." An entrance fee is required to visit the east tower. From March to June, adults are 1100 yen, junior high and high school students are 700 yen, and elementary school students are 300 yen. The special common discount ticket that allows you to visit two additional places in addition to the usual viewing place is 1600 yen for adults, 1200 yen for junior high and high school students, and 300 yen for elementary school students. For inquiries, please contact Yakushiji Temple (0742, 33, 6001). (Akira Nemoto) ~ Posted from Asahi Shimbun Digital on October 10, 2020 ~ □ Access ★★★★★ ~ Access to Yakushiji Temple ~ ・ Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station / Immediately after getting off □ Visiting time ★★★ 8: 30-17: 00 (⚠️ Reception until 16:30) □ Admission fee ★★★ ·grown up/ Adult 1100 yen Group 1000 yen (When Genjo Sanzoin Garan is not open to the public, 800 yen for individuals and 720 yen for groups) ・ High school student / High school student 700 yen Group 630 yen (When Genjo Sanzoin Garan is not open to the public, 500 yen for individuals, 450 yen for groups) ·Middle school students/ Junior high school student 700 yen Group 630 yen (When Genjo Sanzoin Garan is not open to the public, 500 yen for individuals, 450 yen for groups) ・ Elementary school students / Elementary school student 300 yen Group 270 yen (When Genjo Sanzoin Garan is not open to the public, 200 yen for individuals and 180 yen for groups) □ Barrier-free equipment ★★★★ Parking lot for people with disabilities ?: ○ Wheelchair rental: ○ Wheelchair ramp: ○ Wheelchair-accessible restroom: ○ Discount: ○

After 10 years of major repairs in 2020, it was unveiled again. As of September 26, 2021, the door on the 1st floor of the East Tower is open and you can see the pillars that are being opened. Many of the temples themselves have been replaced by new buildings, so it is no exaggeration to say that the only highlight is.

Finally, the first visit to Yakushiji in my life came true. After the major repair of the east tower, which was started in July 2009, was completed, it was scheduled to be open to the public and the memorial service for the fall of the year in April 2nd year of Reiwa, but it was postponed due to the corona. Even after the public opening, it was required to refrain from moving across the prefectural border, but the autumn breeze blew and I finished my second vaccination, so I headed to Nara with full satisfaction. The [National Treasure] East Tower, which has existed since the founding of Yakushiji Temple and is the oldest building in Heijokyo. Is this really a triple tower? When I looked up at the tower from below and counted the number of roofs over and over again, thinking that there were many roofs, my wife thought, "Finally, this guy is crazy." The water smoke that decorates the top of the east tower has been renewed by this dismantling and repair, and the old water smoke from the time of its construction about 1300 years ago is open to the public and it is possible to take pictures. You can also see the inscription on the rubbing tube that covers the Shinbashira, with the history of its construction engraved up close. It is said that old scholars climbed the tower with a lifeline to get a rubbing of this. It's a pity that there aren't many visitors, but I'm glad that I can take a good look while taking slow pictures. What makes me even more happy is that the new "Heisei no Mizusumi" is made from our traditional craft "Takaoka Copperware" in Toyama Prefecture.