Japanese Peace Pagoda
Japanese Peace Pagoda
4.3
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4.3
1,119 reviews
Excellent
514
Very good
462
Average
128
Poor
11
Terrible
4
Wander Wings
Rourkela, India13 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
The Japanese Temple is a haven of peace and simplicity. During our visit, we joined a prayer session, guided by a soft-spoken monk who taught us the rhythm of the chant. Later, we explored the grounds and found a small hidden garden where cherry blossoms were in full bloom. It was the perfect place to reflect and find inner calm. A visit here leaves you lighter and more centered.
Written January 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
two12yearOlds
Salmiya, Kuwait389 contributions
Jan 2023
We had a day tour of Darjeeling Town and it was already 4.30 p.m. by the time we were done at Mall Road. Though we decided to skip the Japanese Peace Pagoda for another day, since it was on the way back, our driver recommended we halt.
When we reached the entrance, we saw multiple signboards requesting silence as this is a place of worship. In absolute silence, we climbed the stairs and reached the prayer room upstairs. As soon as we we done looking around and took a few pics, it was prayer time and we were asked to join in (with the assurance that we could stay as long/little as we wanted). They gave us a wooden beater and a plank and we tapped on it in rhythm to the hymns. It was so exquisitely calming, we absolutely loved the experience. In fact, our 4YO loved it the most! She loved it so much that she was annoyed that we had to hurry and leave (it was cold and she was beginning to cough).
We were still soaking in that rhythm and slowly exiting the building with joy in our hearts when an absolutely loud and unruly family began bellowing beside us – even as the prayer was ongoing. Why people have to yell and scream and make their presence known is beyond us. Really, when you are in a quiet place, imbibe that calmness and quieten yourself down, for God’s sake! It was in fact so annoying that one of us had to turn around and shush them with a “This is a temple”, looking pretty wild. That seemed to put them on a backfoot and they cut short the visit and did not continue up to the Pagoda. Which we did, and was amazing to do. SO many steps, but totally worth the climb, esp given the amazing view of Kanchenjunga from up there. We reveled at the various poses the Buddha was seated in, enjoyed more views of The Sleeping Buddha from in front of where The Buddha Slept! :)
When we reached the entrance, we saw multiple signboards requesting silence as this is a place of worship. In absolute silence, we climbed the stairs and reached the prayer room upstairs. As soon as we we done looking around and took a few pics, it was prayer time and we were asked to join in (with the assurance that we could stay as long/little as we wanted). They gave us a wooden beater and a plank and we tapped on it in rhythm to the hymns. It was so exquisitely calming, we absolutely loved the experience. In fact, our 4YO loved it the most! She loved it so much that she was annoyed that we had to hurry and leave (it was cold and she was beginning to cough).
We were still soaking in that rhythm and slowly exiting the building with joy in our hearts when an absolutely loud and unruly family began bellowing beside us – even as the prayer was ongoing. Why people have to yell and scream and make their presence known is beyond us. Really, when you are in a quiet place, imbibe that calmness and quieten yourself down, for God’s sake! It was in fact so annoying that one of us had to turn around and shush them with a “This is a temple”, looking pretty wild. That seemed to put them on a backfoot and they cut short the visit and did not continue up to the Pagoda. Which we did, and was amazing to do. SO many steps, but totally worth the climb, esp given the amazing view of Kanchenjunga from up there. We reveled at the various poses the Buddha was seated in, enjoyed more views of The Sleeping Buddha from in front of where The Buddha Slept! :)
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arka_ad
Kolkata (Calcutta), India241 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
This place is situated at the fringe of the town on a hilltop amidst of nature & free from hustle-bustle of city life. A two storied temple of lord Buddha, which is also dedicated to world peace and a large white stupa at beside displaying the life & incarnation of lord Buddha are together what apparently meant the place. But among the local Buddhist people, who are in plenty there, this is one of the important religious place and for other people, this place provides a taste of Buddhist heritage, culture & rituals.
Entire place is nicely maintained. Inside ambience is sober & calm and total silence is preferred. Interested people can seat in front of deity and participate in the prayer or just feel the tranquility & calmness of the place. We had a memorable experience of listening melodious chant with rhythmic drumming when monks & devotees offering their worship to lord Buddha marching in the courtyard just before dusk.
Beside serenity & sacredness, this place also provides an excellent unobstructed view of the entire mountain range. All together, this is one of the main attraction for tourists during Darjeeling trip.
Entire place is nicely maintained. Inside ambience is sober & calm and total silence is preferred. Interested people can seat in front of deity and participate in the prayer or just feel the tranquility & calmness of the place. We had a memorable experience of listening melodious chant with rhythmic drumming when monks & devotees offering their worship to lord Buddha marching in the courtyard just before dusk.
Beside serenity & sacredness, this place also provides an excellent unobstructed view of the entire mountain range. All together, this is one of the main attraction for tourists during Darjeeling trip.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jiji J
Bengaluru, India108 contributions
Feb 2021
Mere 10 minutes from Darjeeling city, on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills, you will come across this peaceful abode. The Peace Pagodas designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds to help unite them in their search for world peace. Just loved the inner sanctum - such calmness and peace. Very beautiful place!
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EkMusafir
Pune, India2,213 contributions
Mar 2020
The beautiful Buddhist monastery and Peace Pagoda is located near the top of the Jalapahar Hill, about 2 km from the Darjeeling Clock Tower. As we entered the gates we first visited a small Japanese temple with a prayer hall on the first floor. It was built by Japanese monk Fujii who was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Unfortunately it was closed due to onset of the virus pandemic when we visited. Normally it is open to the public for prayers from 4.30 to 6am in the morning, and from 4.30 to 6.30pm in the evening.
We walked a little further to the beautifully sculptured stupa, also known as the Japanese Peace Pagoda. The pagoda had beautiful gold plated sculptures of the Buddha in various postures and murals depicting some of the events in his life.
The surroundings were very serene and peaceful, with tall pine trees and rhododendron bushes just beginning to flower, and with the majestic Kanchenjunga mountains as the backdrop.
We walked a little further to the beautifully sculptured stupa, also known as the Japanese Peace Pagoda. The pagoda had beautiful gold plated sculptures of the Buddha in various postures and murals depicting some of the events in his life.
The surroundings were very serene and peaceful, with tall pine trees and rhododendron bushes just beginning to flower, and with the majestic Kanchenjunga mountains as the backdrop.
Written May 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sasanjoy
Kolkata District, India9 contributions
Oct 2020
The beautiful Buddhist monastery and Peace Pagoda is located near the top of the Jalapahar Hill, about 2 km from the Darjeeling Clock Tower.
We are lucky that it was open while our stay in Darjeeling in first week of October.
The pagoda had beautiful gold plated sculptures of the Buddha in various postures and murals depicting some of the events in his life.
Mesmerizing view, serene peace and awesome place with tall pine trees and rhododendron bushes just beginning to flower, and with the majestic Kanchenjunga mountains as the backdrop. A must visit.
We are lucky that it was open while our stay in Darjeeling in first week of October.
The pagoda had beautiful gold plated sculptures of the Buddha in various postures and murals depicting some of the events in his life.
Mesmerizing view, serene peace and awesome place with tall pine trees and rhododendron bushes just beginning to flower, and with the majestic Kanchenjunga mountains as the backdrop. A must visit.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K72
Melbourne, Australia3,085 contributions
Jan 2020
A slice of serenity in the chaos that is Darjeeling. The pagoda is stunning in it's elegance and grace sitting on the hill. The white stupa has 4 statues adorning it. You do need to remove your shoes to walk around which wasn't pleasant on a freezing cold and wet morning. Really peaceful, calm place- and a lovely contrast to the untidy Hindu temples.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ariEE
105 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Peace Pagoda is a buddhist temple, where we went for a casual visit but it turned to something beyond expectations. I will suggest to go through a little bit of lord Buddha's history before visiting. We felt pure vibes after reaching to the top. The temple wall was totally customised with Gautam Buddha's life stories which will help you to define life itself.
Written March 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deboli D
Hyderabad, India157 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
It was a good decision to go there as I love pagodas. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful and had positive vibes. The lady beating the drum and chanting was very pleasent .Surroundings had beautiful Rhododendron trees . I have never seen such vibrant colours
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rsk M
Kottayam, India638 contributions
Nov 2021
Can feel the peace within when doing the parikrama around this pagoda. Various avatars of Sri Buddha in large sizes to offer prayers... Please also visit the temple below. Need to climb some steps (common to all locations). Need to have cleaner washrooms and some cafeteria nearby
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lalitpradhan306@gmail.com
Bengaluru, India
I want to book can service in darjaleeng , so that I can cover one spot after other ...is der any can srvices ?? If der can I get the details ?
Written November 10, 2018
Best is to take a taxi from a local taxi stand.. you can negotiate price..
Written November 12, 2018
how long this situated from clock tower.. on this way what are the near by places to visit
Written April 12, 2017
Japanese Peace Pagoda is within 30 minits by car from clock tower. In Darjeeling most (city) locations are within 4-5 km range but they take some time in negotiating the contours and curvy roads.
Written April 14, 2017
Will May second week be a good time to visit Darjeeling??
Written April 3, 2017
Yes, it will be a good time to visit Darjeeling. I visited in May in 2013. It will be cold and you'll get a lot of rain and fog; still, you can enjoy the place. Make sure that you carry an umbrella. It will be peak season, so it is better to book hotels and the toy train tickets in advance.
Written September 25, 2017
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