Daigoji pagoda opened to the public

A five-story pagoda has been opened to the public at Daigoji Temple in Kyoto Prefecture.

The pagoda is said to have been built in 951 as a memorial for Emperor Daigo and is the oldest wooden structure in the prefecture.

It is designated as one of Japan's national treasures.

The interior is normally closed to the public, except for special occasions such as the 1,200th anniversary of the transfer of the national capital to Kyoto.

But the temple received many requests for viewing and decided to open on the 29th of each month, the anniversary of the Emperor's death.

Priests slowly opened the 4 doors facing in 4 directions on Sunday morning and began to offer prayers.

Visitors saw a Buddhist mortuary tablet dedicated to Emperor Daigo and Buddhist diagrams, or mandalas, depicting the spiritual universe using the principles of esoteric Buddhism.

A visitor said this is his first time he saw the inside of the pagoda, and the elaborate patterns of the mandalas were amazing. He added that he prayed for peace.

The public viewings are held at 10 in the morning and 1:30 in the afternoon on the 29th of each month.