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Pagodas appeared in Japan in the 6th century following the arrival of Buddhism. The number of tiers in Japanese pagodas range from a single tier (Enryaku Temple) to thirteen tiers (the Danzan Shrine near Nara), but the standard number is generally considered to be five. While there are several types of structure, one element is common to all: every pagoda has a central pillar to support the roof.
To protect the pagoda against earthquakes or hurricanes, the central pillar is built to be flexible enough to shake, and the roof is able to move slightly. Thus the impact of such force would be evenly distributed throughout the pagoda so that it would sway like a tree in the wind, balancing itself instead of collapsing.

On top of the pagoda is an antenna called a "finial," a symbol of Buddhism that includes the Sacred Jewel, the Dragon Vehicle, the Water Flame, the Nine Rings, the Lotus Flower, and the Inverted Bowl. Bells usually hang from the Nine Rings, the significance of which varies from sect to sect. Generally speaking, the rings represent the Buddhist deities. The finial also functions as a lightning rod.
RESTORATION PLAN
  • Main inner temple improvements.
  • Stone pavement repairs.
  • Establishment of new exhibition and meeting room.
ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COSTS
  • Pagoda reconstruction ¥300,000,000 (Japanese Yen).
  • Temple restoration ¥70,000,000 (Japanese Yen)
CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
  • Scheduled to be completed by December 2000-2002
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
  • Japanese wooden frame building with full Japanese tile roof (11,000 tiles)
  • Building with facade 5m x 5m
  • Height of construction 21m
  • Interior color Japanese bright express color
  • The principal image Japanese lacquer
The new five-tiered pagoda has association with the one at the Kaijuusen temple in Kyoto, built in 1214 (Kamakura period). According to historical records, the Kaijuusen temple was established in 735, but more recent information suggests that it was actually built during the Heian period (794~1185). The five-tiered pagoda was planned by Joukei, and his pupil Kakushin completed it in 1214. In 1671, it had major repair work done, including the foundations. This pagoda was designed differently from the others, mostly with regard to the interior design, and it was referred to as "new style."

The height of the pagoda is 17.7 m (58+ ft), and was built with two-handed bracketing while others were mostly built with three-handed bracketing. Also, the central pillar is setting on top of the first floor ceiling instead of its foundation because the first floor was placed as Buddha's ashes. Some other three-tiered pagodas had central pillared set this way in Heian period but not with five-tiered. Each wall door between 4 inner pillars is painted with a Buddhist image, and bright colored ornaments are painted everywhere besides the floor panel.

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