興隆寺

Koshaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Yamaguchi featuring a five-story pagoda standing about 31 meters tall, covered with cypress bark shingles. The complex sits on extensive grounds containing several buildings and areas for visitors to explore.

The temple was originally built as Koshaku-ji in the early 1400s, but relocated to its present location in the 1690s. This move followed major political changes in the region.

The temple houses a museum displaying models of major five-story pagodas from different regions across Japan, showing how architectural styles evolved. Visitors can observe the different building techniques and how they changed over time.

The temple is reachable on foot in about 40 minutes from Yamaguchi Station, or visitors can take a bus to Kenchomae stop. Access is straightforward with regular pathways, and visiting requires no special arrangements.

The Kozan Cemetery on the temple grounds holds the tombs of the last Mori clan leaders, marked by stone lanterns. This space brings together historical memory with the spiritual character of the site.