Daigo-ji Temple Pagoda 2 - Kyoto Japan Poster

The Daigo-ji Temple 5-Storey Pagoda was built in 951. It is the oldest wood structure in Kyoto Prefecture and one of the few buildings to survive the bloody and lengthy 16th century Onin Samurai War. No nails or bolts were used in the construction. At the centre is a flexible old-growth cedar post sourced from a nearby forest. This post enables the incredible tonnage of each story to flex and move during Japan's many seismic events, so earthquakes have not shown to be a threat. However, fire is the mortal enemy of the pagoda. It has already stood for 1,061 years. Only time will tell how much longer it can survive as a true Japanese National Treasure and one of the oldest wood structures in the world.