the Snow Tiger
The Tower of Heart's Desire
It was a small measure of peace. Snow. Cold air. Aged wood. Silence and isolation.
When I first came across the photo of this pagoda, it gave me an eerie feeling. Soon I was curious and bent on seeing it during the winter.
Perhaps it was because of the unique sight. Other pagodas stand tall in their own right, but this one was concealed in a forest of cryptomeria ("sugi" or Japanese cedar) trees over 1000 years old.
This is the five-storied Hagurosan Gojuuto (羽黒山五重塔), the oldest in northeast Japan and a designated national treasure. It sits on along the path leading to the summit of Haguro mountain where Dewa Shrine (出羽神社) is situated.
The tower is 29 meters tall. Other pagodas - older and younger - tend to be more decorated. The Hagurosan pagoda had a rather 'minimalist' design. No fancy colors or patterns.
The worship grounds have roots dating back to 930, during the Heian Period (平安時代), while the pagoda is believed to have been reconstructed in 1369. Records indicate repairs in 1608, during the reign of Mogami Yoshiaki (最上義光), the ruling daimyo in the region.
Well.. it was well worth the time and drive. Boosted my experience with driving in the snow and gave me a new place to visit when in search of serenity. I leave you with a snapshot of the pagoda on Christmas Day 2014.
Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山)
The Tower of Heart's Desire
It was a small measure of peace. Snow. Cold air. Aged wood. Silence and isolation.
When I first came across the photo of this pagoda, it gave me an eerie feeling. Soon I was curious and bent on seeing it during the winter.
Perhaps it was because of the unique sight. Other pagodas stand tall in their own right, but this one was concealed in a forest of cryptomeria ("sugi" or Japanese cedar) trees over 1000 years old.
This is the five-storied Hagurosan Gojuuto (羽黒山五重塔), the oldest in northeast Japan and a designated national treasure. It sits on along the path leading to the summit of Haguro mountain where Dewa Shrine (出羽神社) is situated.
The tower is 29 meters tall. Other pagodas - older and younger - tend to be more decorated. The Hagurosan pagoda had a rather 'minimalist' design. No fancy colors or patterns.
The worship grounds have roots dating back to 930, during the Heian Period (平安時代), while the pagoda is believed to have been reconstructed in 1369. Records indicate repairs in 1608, during the reign of Mogami Yoshiaki (最上義光), the ruling daimyo in the region.
Well.. it was well worth the time and drive. Boosted my experience with driving in the snow and gave me a new place to visit when in search of serenity. I leave you with a snapshot of the pagoda on Christmas Day 2014.
Dewa Sanzan (出羽三山)