By: Alex
Exploring the ancient capital of Kyoto, the overwhelming sense of history not only delights the eyes but also provides an opportunity to relax the ears. Handpan performer Mototaka O ( @minemototakao ) recently visited Kyoto’s most popular five-story pagoda, where he performed a short piece together with another handpan artist @cojicose001.The handpan (Handpan), which resembles a Chinese wok, was only invented in Switzerland in 2000. Though its tones may sound hollow or simple, they often strike a deep emotional chord and are frequently used in today’s yoga and relaxation music. Listening to the healing sounds of the handpan while sightseeing in Kyoto offers a whole new perspective on the city.
Besides the Kiyomizu Stage at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the five-story pagoda is another iconic landmark in Kyoto. Actually, “five-story pagoda” is a colloquial term, literally meaning “a tower with five levels.” Its official name is the Yasaka Pagoda of Hofuku-ji Temple.Hofuku-ji Temple was built during the Asuka period (592–710), and its main hall enshrines the Buddha, while surrounding auxiliary halls are dedicated to the Medicine Buddha, the Sunlight Bodhisattva, the Moonlight Bodhisattva, the Dream-Seeing Jizō Bodhisattva, as well as a statue of Prince Shōtoku. As for the 46-meter-tall Yasaka Pagoda, it was commissioned by Prince Shōtoku, but over the years, it has been rebuilt several times due to wars, lightning strikes, and other disasters. The current structure dates back to its reconstruction in 1440 during the Muromachi period, making it nearly 600 years old.
Unlike the typically vermilion-lacquered pagodas, the Yasaka Pagoda is entirely dark, giving off an air of simplicity and elegance. Moreover, as it stands without surrounding halls or high walls, the pagoda rises prominently among residential houses, appearing majestic yet not distant, thus becoming a favorite subject for photographers and a frequent feature in film and television.
In fact, the Yasaka Pagoda takes on different charms throughout the seasons and even at various times of the day. Here are some perspectives on how photographers have captured its diverse beauty:
I visited Hofuku-ji’s Yasaka Pagoda the other day
The crepe myrtle was blooming beautifully #kyoto#Kyoto#YasakaPagoda #CrepeMyrtle #HofukuTemple #Yasakadori #SaucerMagnolia #FiveStoryPagoda #DogDays #StayWell pic.twitter.com/qTXzXcYmEt— Kisozouen (@kisozouen) August 17, 2021
▲(photo by kisozouen @Twitter)
Yasaka Pagoda #HofukuTemple #YasakaPagoda #Kyoto pic.twitter.com/ZLBKTtvJSL
— akimaru (@akimaru_8) May 29, 2021
▲(photo by akimaru_8 @Twitter)
*Some obstruction visible#Kyoto #HofukuTemple #YasakaPagoda #CrepeMyrtle #SaucerMagnolia #EveningScene #Let’sGoLet’s go to Kyoto #FillYourFeedWithFlowers #MyWorldThroughTheLens #ForFellowPhotoLovers #UsadaNewsDept #Tokyo Camera Club #mysky #photo #photography #SIGMA #SIGMAfp pic.twitter.com/PtLLjLQ0SS— Jun Takeda (@man_tac) August 11, 2020
▲(photo by man_tac @Twitter)
View this post on InstagramPost shared by ? ??? ? ? ? ( @shigeta_akane )
The warmth of history #HofukuTemple #YasakaPagoda #MyWorldThroughTheLens #ConnectWithFellowPhotographers #PhotoLoversUnite #PicTwitter.com/KGPwCt1t4U
— Jun... (@Dekamoriiii) February 7, 2020
▲(photo by Dekamoriiii @Twitter)
Twilight in Higashiyama #ConnectWithFellowPhotographers #PhotoLoversUnite #MyWorldThroughTheLens #TheWorldMyPhotosSing #Kyoto #Fukyoji Temple #Yasaka Pagoda #I Should GoLet’s go to Kyoto pic.twitter.com/VXrw9MTiUW
— Kyokenzaka (@junichiro__t) January 23, 2019
▲(photo by junichiro__t @Twitter)
Unselected photos#kyoto#Kyoto#YasakaPagoda#WantToConnectWithPhotoLovers#PhotoLoversUnite pic.twitter.com/zvvby5wBBJ
— Zenigame (@zeni_general) August 17, 2021
▲(photo by zeni_general @Twitter)
Source: ?MototakaO