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five-story pagoda / Itsukushima Shrine
The five-story pagoda at Itsukushima Shrine is an elegant structure that symbolizes traditional Japanese architectural beauty and is an important part of the landscape of Itsukushima (present-day Miyajima) in the Seto Inland Sea. This five-story pagoda was built in 1407, dating back to the Muromachi period. The purpose of the pagoda at the time of its construction was to demonstrate the harmony between the Buddhist faith and the Shintoism of Itsukushima Shrine. Against the background of a time when Shintoism and Buddhism were generally practiced together, the five-story pagoda is positioned as an architectural symbol of the Buddhist element. The pagoda's structure fully demonstrates traditional Japanese wooden construction techniques, especially its bright vermilion-lacquered exterior and delicate decoration. The interior is decorated with Buddhist statues and paintings, with Shakyamuni Buddha at its center, and serves as a space for the transmission of Buddhist teachings. The architectural style of the pagoda is a combination of the Japanese style with the Zen Buddhist (Tang Dynasty) style, and the fusion of the different styles is exquisitely harmonious. The five-story pagoda is approximately 27.6 meters high, and its imposing appearance stands out from a distance, attracting visitors along with the other architectural and natural features of Itsukushima Shrine. Each layer of the pagoda has its own meaning representing a Buddhist symbol, expressing the harmony of heaven and earth, man and space. The pagoda is an excellent example of Japanese aesthetic and religious sensitivity, especially when seen in harmony with the natural beauty of Itsukushima. The five-story pagoda has been repaired several times, and each time its value as a cultural asset has been recognized anew. Today, the pagoda is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and, along with Itsukushima Shrine, is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The pagoda itself is important not only for its architectural and cultural value, but also as a symbol of Japanese history, religious beliefs, and artistic views. The five-story pagoda continues to attract many tourists and devotees as a special place that allows visitors to experience the rich history and culture of Itsukushima and its beauty in harmony with nature.