Futabayama Peace Pagoda

Standing prominently atop the ridge of Mount Futaba, the Futabayama Peace Pagoda, or Bussharyoto, is a striking silver stupa that can be seen from throughout the city of Hiroshima. This structure serves as a profound symbol of…

The architecture of the Futabayama Peace Pagoda is a fascinating study in the continuity of Buddhist tradition and its adaptation to the modern era. The 'stupa' form dates back over two thousand years to ancient India, where it…

The true heart of the Futabayama Peace Pagoda lies within its hidden reliquary, which houses ashes of the Buddha. These relics are of immense spiritual importance and were gifted to Hiroshima by the people of India and Mongolia…

Surrounding the base of the Peace Pagoda are several statues and monuments that further elaborate on its mission of peace and reconciliation. You will find depictions of the Buddha in various 'Mudras,' or symbolic hand gestures,…

The area surrounding the Peace Pagoda offers an unparalleled lookout point that provides a comprehensive visual summary of Hiroshima’s geography and history. From this height, the city’s layout as a delta town is strikingly clear. …

The path leading to and from the Peace Pagoda is part of the Futabayama Forest Trail, a series of mountain paths that offer a rare pocket of wilderness within the city limits. This trail is a place of solitude and natural beauty,…

As we conclude our visit to the Futabayama Peace Pagoda, we take a final look at the silver stupa that stands as a silent sentinel over the city of Hiroshima. We have ascended from the historical authority of the Toshogu Shrine…