Yakushiji Temple East Pagoda

JAPAN, Nara

The East Pagoda is located within Yakushiji (Medicine Buddha Temple) and is the only structure in the temple that has remained unchanged since it was built in 730 during the Nara period. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1951.
The three-story three-by-three bay wooden pagoda stands on a stone base platform and is 34.1 m high. The eaves are covered with cylindrical tiles. It has architectural features typical of the Hakuho period (645–710), such as three-tier bracket sets and rafters. The tall spire consists of a harmika, an inverted bowl, upturned lotus, stacked rings, a flame, and a jewel. The flame has images of 24 apsaras playing flutes and scattering flowers. The columns within the first story are carved with inscriptions recording its construction. A statue of the Ascetic Sakyamuni is enshrined within. Each story has double eaves with the lower eave being smaller than the upper eave. The roofs are covered with cylindrical tiles. This pagoda’s beauty has often been compared to “frozen music,” and it is regarded as one of the finest pagodas in Japan.