By AKIRA NEMOTO/ Staff Writer
December 17, 2020 at 07:00 JST
Yakushiji temple's East Pagoda, foreground, in Nara is surrounded by protective coverings for renovation work in December 2011, with the West Pagoda seen in the background. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
NARA--Yakushiji temple here will open its renowned East Pagoda to the public for the first time in more than a decade, from March 1 until June 30, as its restoration work finally finishes.
The 34-meter-tall pagoda, a national treasure built in the early eighth century, had been taken apart for renovations for the first time in about a century, removing the historical attraction from public viewing.
"We hope many people will see the pagoda that has stood for 1,300 years," said vice chief priest Kitatsu Ikoma of Yakushiji temple, a World Heritage Site.
The East Pagoda is often described as "frozen music" because its architectural design gives off a rhythmical appearance from the way it interchanges between large and small roofs.
Temple officials originally planned to hold a reopening ceremony and open the building to the public in spring this year, but the plan was postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
It remains unclear when the reopening ceremony will be held, officials said.
The renovation project began in 2009, and the pagoda was surrounded by protective coverings for about eight years.
According to the officials, repair work on the building is now complete, while the foundation and other facilities are being renovated.
Once the tower reopens to the public, visitors can see the central column and other parts from the door of the first tier.
Admission to the East Pagoda between March and June is 1,100 yen ($10.50) for adults, 700 yen for junior and senior high school students and 300 yen for elementary school students.
A special ticket that grants access to two additional spots is priced at 1,600 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for junior and senior high school students and 300 yen for elementary school students.
For inquiries, visit the official website: https://yakushiji.or.jp/en/
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