Amid the dense Unawatuna rainforests, lies the breathtaking Japanese Peace Pagoda on Rummasala Hill in Sri Lanka. It is a massive attraction for peace seekers globally. It stands as a great symbol of peace for Sri Lanka and its elegant design represents harmony and love between people from all walks of life. The pagoda stands as a symbol towards the strong bond between the two countries, Sri Lanka and Japan, the blessed hand of Buddhism, and their shared commitment to promoting peace in the world.
Japanese Peace Pagoda History And Origin
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A Japanese Buddhist monk, Nichidatsu Fujii, dedicated his life to constructing peace pagodas worldwide as symbols of peace in 1947. More than 80 Peace Pagodas have been built worldwide in Europe, Asia and the United States. The Peace Pagoda lies in the middle of four Buddha statues, each with its own historical significance. There are also eight sculptures carved out of sandstone on the temple’s walls. They all tell a different historical lore.
Most people in Sri Lanka follow the Buddhist religion. If we learn about its history, Buddhist kings built several stupas that symbolised peace and harmony. For the same reason, the monk Nichidatsu Fujii built five peace pagodas in Sri Lanka, one of which is the famous Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Unawatuna
Japanese Peace Pagoda Location And Timings
Image Credit: Japanese Peace Pagoda – Galle for Facebook
It lies by the seashore by the Unawatuna rainforests on Rumassala Hill in Sri Lanka. Travelling from Jungle Beach road is very convenient since the roads have many signboards. The entry time for visitors is 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Japanese Peace Pagoda Travel Route
Image Credit: Japanese Peace Pagoda – Galle for Facebook
By Train & Bus—Take a train from Hatton to Unawatuna via Hatton Station and Fort Station, which takes around 8 to 9 hours. The National Transport Commission has a bus from Makumbra Multimodal Transport Center towards Galle Bus Station every 20 minutes. The cost of tickets is around ₹35 to ₹50, and it takes 1h 20m to reach Unawatuna.
By Road – The Pagoda is easily accessible from the Jungle and Unawatuna Beach. It is around a 15 to 20-minute walk from the centre of the town of Unawatuna. The signboards on the road are very helpful for tourists and visitors to navigate their way to the pagoda.
If you travel by road, a private car or a tuk-tuk (local transport) will take you to your destination 2 km away. Parking is available near the site.
By Air—The nearest airport to Unawatuna Beach is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, which takes 2 hours to reach.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Unawatuna
Japanese Peace Pagoda Activities
Image Credit: Japanese Peace Pagoda – Galle for Facebook
Peace Pagoda has a shaded path where visitors like to stroll around and get a glimpse of a colossal, white bell-shaped structure surrounded by gold statues. A set of steps leads to a 360-degree view of the jungle and the beach. Nearby, there’s another little temple comprising a collection of statues of Lord Buddha and the different stages of his life, along with several other statues of royalty and gods.
This place is all about peace, and if you take peaceful walks amidst nature, the spellbinding views of Galle Bay, Unawatuna Beach, and the ocean will remain imprinted in your mind forever.
Tourist Places Near Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda offers a serene experience to its visitors. There are many tourist places around the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Here is the curated list:
1. Sudharmalaya Temple
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Sudharmalaya Temple – The Sudharmalaya Temple is another popular Buddhist temple located inside the Galle Fort. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It sits opposite the Clippenberg Bastion. The Temple comprises a prayer hall, a mini stupa built in 1889, a big statue of a reclining Lord Buddha and smaller statues. Buddhist monks still live and thrive at the Temple.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mirissa
2. Galle Library
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Galle Library – The Galle Library, located next to the Dutch Reformed Church inside the historic Galle Fort, was established in 1832 and is believed to be the oldest public library in Sri Lanka. Many old, precious texts are found in this library. Velsen in the Netherlands is a considered a sister city to Galle, and the Public Library there has shipped many English books to the Galle Library.
3. Jungle Beach
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Jungle Beach – On the southern coast of Sri Lanka lies Jungle Beach, a panoramic shore that blesses you with not one or two but several beautiful views simultaneously. It is still regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful and frequently visited beaches. As you hike through the dense rainforests, the path will lead you to a wide, long shoreline and the sea. The rich biodiversity has led this place to thrive in greenery. The abundance of trees made way for the name ‘Jungle Beach’.
Suggested Read: Goyambkka Beach
4. Rumassala Sanctuary
Rumassala Sanctuary – Rumassala Sanctuary is located near Unawatuna, and this sanctuary is a must-visit. The Government of Sri Lanka has declared that this sanctuary is linked to the Prehistoric era, during the reign of King Ravan of Lanka. There are many herbal plants that are found here, and it is also linked to the time when Lord Hanuman flew to get the herbs to save Lakshman in Ramayan. Rumassala was one of the most significant places where spices, precious stones and rare minerals were transported.
Further Read: Beaches In Unawatuna
Now that you have the entire guide to visiting the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Sri Lanka with you, it’s time to plan your trip to Sri Lanka right away! Hurry and grab your tickets now!
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Cover Image Credit: L Manju for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Peace Padoga
What is the timing of the visit?
Japanese Peace Padoga can be visited at any time of the year.
What is the usual weather like in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka, located near the equator, has an extremely hot climate all through the year along with heavy rains during monsoons.
Are there any restrictions inside the Pagoda?
Do dress appropriately when you visit since the place has religious value as well. Shoes on, bikinis, shorts and vests should be avoided. Make sure your legs and arms are covered, for both men and women.
How much time does it take to explore the site?
It takes approximately 3 hours to explore the entire site.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
