Rurikoji Temple

Overview

Rurikoji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its National Treasure five-story pagoda. During the Muromachi period, Yoshihiro, the 25th head of the Ouchi clan, established Koshaku-ji Temple at the present location. However, Yoshihiro died in battle in 1399 after losing the Onin War against Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. His younger brother, the 26th head of the Ouchi clan, Morimi, began construction of the five-story pagoda to commemorate his brother, but Morimi himself died in battle in 1431 fighting the Shoni and Otomo clans in Kyushu. The pagoda was finally completed around 1442. Later, in 1471, after the death of Hirofusa, the seventh head of the Sue clan, his wife built Anyo-ji Temple to commemorate him. This temple was renamed Rurikoji Temple in 1492. After the establishment of the Edo shogunate, Motonari Mori, who was based in Hagi, moved Koshaku-ji Temple to Hagi in 1604. In 1690, Jinbo Rurikoji Temple was relocated to the former site, which is the current Rurikoji Temple. Rurikoji Temple serves as a testament to Ouchi culture and is a leading tourist destination in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The National Treasure five-story pagoda is considered a masterpiece of Ouchi culture. While its architectural style is primarily in the Japanese (Wayo) style, it incorporates elements of Zen (Kara-yo) style. The temple grounds also include the Rurikoji Temple Museum, which exhibits models and materials related to the pagoda, and the Kosan Mausoleum, the burial place of the Mori family. The Kosan Mausoleum is designated as a national historical site as part of the "Mori Family Mausoleum." Nearby attractions include the Yamaguchi Prefectural Government Archives, Yamaguchi Prefectural Office, Park Road, Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum, Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum, Yamaguchi Sabiel Memorial Cathedral, Toyei Shrine/Noda Shrine, and Joei-ji Temple. Rurikoji Temple offers not only a journey through history and culture but also the beauty of the changing seasons. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage – beautiful scenery throughout the year. Be sure to visit Rurikoji Temple when you visit Yamaguchi City.