Gojunoto, Tokyo

The Gojunoto or Five-storied Pagoda forms part of the Senso-ji Temple complex in Asakusa. It is the second highest pagoda in Japan, the highest being the pagoda of the Toji Temple of Kyoto.

The first Gojunoto pagoda was constructed in 942 by the military commander Taira No Kinmasa. The original pagoda was burned down and another was built in1650 by Tokugawa Lemitsu. It was destroyed by a major fire in 1816 and rebuilt in 1818. In 1911 it was designated as a national treasure. The pagoda was damaged during World War II in 1945 and the present structure was constructed in 1973.

The present Gojunoto is made of fire resistant reinforced concrete and steel. It is 53.32 meters high and has a central pillar made of Japanese cypress wood which is the standard form of architecture in almost all Japanese pagodas. The five floors are loosely packed around the central pillar in an architectural style called the new Toinzukuri style. This type of design is meant to make the structure resistant to earthquakes. It also houses a lecture hall and contains the tablet of the Buddha. The relics of the Buddha are stored in the top floor of the Gojunoto.