Japanese Peace Pagoda

Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna Overview

The Peace Pagoda is on the hillside of the Galle Fort and is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The Mahayana sect built the Peace Pagoda as an initiative to establish peace in the Sri Lankan conflict zone. The Pagoda is a spectacle to witness, especially when you view it from the side of Unawatuna, which makes it look like it has grown out of the jungle.

The design of the Peace Pagoda is such that it acts as a focal point for peace for all creeds and races and helps them to unite and come together to promote world peace. A stupa is a place for you to get in touch with your spiritual self while you sit calmly and meditate.

There is also a staircase around the stupa which you can go around. The magnificent stupa has four statues of Gautama Buddha, which indicate his birth, his enlightenment and the attainment of Parinibbana (salvation). From this place, you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea and the city. So, head out the peace pagoda for a calming and spiritual experience.

History of the Japanese Peace Pagoda

The peace pagodas were built by the Japanese all over the world to act as a focal point of peace for people belonging to all races and creeds. The pagodas were made after World War II as a symbol of peace in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan after the destructive atomic bomb explosions took place. Soon after, many peace pagodas have been built all over the world in Europe, Asia and the United States of America.

The construction of the pagodas was under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, who was a Buddhist monk from Japan who got much inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and devoted his life to the building of the peace pagodas.

Further, Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country with many people following Buddhism. Looking back into the history of Sri Lanka, many Buddhist kings built many stupas which served as a symbol of peace in the country. For this purpose, five peace pagodas were built in Sri Lanka, one of them being the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Tips While Visiting Japanese Peace Pagoda

Dress appropriately when you are visiting the Pagoda and make sure that you cover your legs and shoulders by some comfortable clothing which is not tight. You may also carry a sarong or scarf to wrap yourself in that case.

Also, there is a daily temple ritual performed at 5:30 PM, which you should attend to experience the authentic Buddhist culture.

How To Reach Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Pagoda can be accessed from the Jungle Beach or the Unawatuna Beach and is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of Unawatuna. If you are planning to walk to the Pagoda, follow the signs on the road and it will directly take you to your destination.

If you are planning to travel by road, you can hire your private car or take a tuk-tuk which will take you to the Pagoda through the narrow access road of the highway which is not more than 2km which will take you directly to your destination. There is also parking space available near the Pagoda.