Ruriko-ji five-story pagoda

The pagoda was commissioned by Ouchi Morimi, one of the leaders of the Ouchi clan that ruled Yamaguchi during the 14th to 16th centuries. Morimi constructed the pagoda as a memorial to his late elder brother, Ouchi Yoshihiro, who passed away while leading a rebellion against the central government in 1399. Completed in 1442, the pagoda is widely recognized as the finest surviving structure from the mid-Muromachi period (approximately 1336 to 1573) and has been designated a national treasure. Originally located within the precincts of Koshakuji Temple, the pagoda was relocated to Hagi city when Koshakuji Temple was moved in the early 17th century. It was then renamed as the Rurikoji Temple Five-Storied Pagoda after Rurikoji Temple took its place. This pagoda is considered one of the top three in Japan, alongside the Daigoji Temple pagoda in Kyoto and the Horyuji Temple pagoda in Nara.