This pagoda was built in 1712. Since its creation it has been an extremely colorful tower. It looks like a cloud pattern was painted on, but actually it’s not a painting but a carving.

On each story of the tower you can see a golden beast. The first story has a dragon, the second a kirin, and the third a baku. What could be the meaning behind these fantastical beasts?

The dragon on the first story is there to prevent earthquakes and typhoons from occurring. Western dragons are generally known for breathing fire whereas Japanese dragons spit out water. They are said to be gods that prevent fires.

The single-horned kirin is on the second story. Although the horn appears to be a weapon, it does not hurt anyone. In order to have a peaceful world with no war, the kirin is filled with the wish for good politicians to appear.

The baku on the third story is a being that consumes steel and copper. If the baku’s food supply disappears, it dies. Since steel is used to make weapons, the baku represents a wish for the world to continue without war.

Each beast on this pagoda represents the the desire for peace. Since, Shinshō-ji is known for suppressing a war, this is a rather appropriate building, no?