Japanese Pagodas!

Five-story Pagoda of Mt. Haguro, Japan

A pagoda is a tiered tower built in the tradition originating in historic East Asia. Pagodas are commonly found in Nepal, India, China, Korea, Vietnam, Burma, and of course, the main topic, Japan. Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, most commonly Buddhist. The modern pagoda is an evolution of the Ancient Nepal stupa, a tomb-like structure where sacred relics could be kept safe. The architectural structure of the stupa has spread across Asia, taking on many diverse forms as details specific to different regions are incorporated into the overall design.

As you see in the picture above, it is the pagoda on Mt Haguro, Japan. Mount Haguro is one of the Three Mountains of Dewa in the ancient japanese province of Dewa (now Yamagata), Japan. Since Mt. Haguro is the lowest in elevation of the three mountains at 1,358 feet, making it the most accessible throughout the year. A path of 2,466 stone steps leads to its summit amidst 600 year old sugi trees, past the famous

Goju-to Pagoda (picture above) and numerous shrines. The steps and the pagoda are listed as National Treasures. At the summit of the mountain is the Sanzan-Gosai-den temple which venerates the spirits of all three mountains.

The Japanese structures and history is so fascinating and one day I really want to visit this country to see all the wonders it holds. 

                                            ~ The Man Who's A Fan Of Japan