Sightseeing Spots

Ruriko-ji Temple is home to one of the three most famous pagodas in Japan. With its cypress bark roof and silhouette that grows slimmer towards its upper levels, this beautiful pagoda has been designated a National Treasure, one of a few exceptionally constructed buildings from the mid-Muromachi Period (1333-1573) (After samurai leader Ouchi Yoshihiro died fighting then-shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the pagoda was constructed in 1442 by his younger brother, Moriharu to pray for Yoshihiro's happiness in the next life). The image of the pagoda with the pond before it attracts many photographers, and the temple is popular not just for its cherry blossoms and fall leaves, but on winter days when snow falls. Ruriko-ji Teple is lovely during the day time, but also during evening light-ups. (From sunset to 10:00 p.m.)
Visitors to Ruriko-ji Temple can experience the culture of the Ouichi, described as on the stone monument that appears in the beginning of the travel diary, "Choshu Road" as the "Capital of the West."
Nearby Ruriko-ji Temple is the family grave of daimyo Mori Motonari, and the remains of other historical buildings like Chinryutei.
On weekends, tours of the temple are also conducted by volunteer guides from Yamaguchi City.