Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda: Serenity Above the Sea in Unawatuna

A Temple of Peace and Panoramic Views

A breezy tuk-tuk ride away from the Unawatuna coast up the Rumassala hill, there lies the Japanese Peace Pagoda; by namesake , a symbol of peace, spirituality, and unending natural beauty. This iconic monument was built by Japanese Buddhist monks in the late 20th century and is considered one of many Peace Pagodas around the world that were erected with the aim of promoting nonviolence and world peace.
This serene site offers a picturesque viewpoint with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the southern coast. Furthermore, its religious significance as a Mahayana Buddhist stupa adds to the religious and cultural diversity of the region.

Things to Do at the Japanese Peace Pagoda

1. Meditate or Reflect in Silence

The peaceful ambience filled with cool , salty air and the fragrance of burning incense is ideal for quiet reflection. Visitors sit around the stupa’s base or on the steps, taking in the sounds of nature and the ocean breeze.

2. Enjoy Panoramic Coastal Views

This is probably the best viewpoint in Galle. The pagoda overlooks the curving Unawatuna Bay, the grand Galle Fort in the distance, and Jungle Beach hidden beneath the forest canopy. Keep an eye out for the odd lobster catamaran or two or even supply vessels that inch their way towards the larger vessels in the international shipping route. Sunsets here are surreal.

3. A clockwise walk around the Relic Dome

The stupa is built with a wide, walkable path around it. Take a clockwise walk around the stupa (a traditional Buddhist practice) while admiring the symbolic golden statues of the Buddha in various postures. Walking meditation is one of the easiest forms of meditation that can be done in Buddhism, and you find no better place than Peace Pagoda to do it.

4. Hike from Jungle Beach

For the adventurous souls, take the rocky trail through Rumassala Forest Reserve from Jungle Beach to the pagoda. It’s a short yet rewarding trek through tropical foliage with views of the sea. Whenever you feel lost during the trek, look far into the jungle, and you will notice the pinnacle of the pagoda. Let it be your beacon.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Peace Pagoda is during morning hours (7–9 AM) or late afternoon (4–6 PM), when the sunlight bathes the pagoda in golden hues and temperatures are cooler. During midday, the walking path around the pagoda can become red hot and rather inconvenient for enjoying the place. In the late afternoon hours , you can also join the chanting sessions conducted by the Japanese incumbents, and this could be a novel experience for the majority.

Clear, dry months between November and April offer the most pleasant experience with unobstructed views. Weekends and full moon holidays attract masses of people if crowds are a concern. However, the place can be visited without significant inconvenience throughout the year.

What to Wear and Bring

• Light colored clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect
• Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking
• Hats and sunglasses
• Water bottle (refillable preferred)
• Camera or binoculars for birdwatching and coastal views

Accessibility

The Peace Pagoda is accessed via a steep, winding road where two vehicles can barely pass each other. A tuk-tuk can take you most of the way up; the final section includes a few steps. If you have mobility issues , you can remain at the ground level of the stupa and still enjoy the magnificent views.

Getting There

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Unawatuna. You can also walk or take a tuk-tuk to the Jungle Beach parking area and hike up through the forest trail. However , the walk uphill is not recommended for families with kids or senior citizens.

Tip: Tuk-tuks often wait at the base for return trips — negotiate a round-trip fare or keep your driver’s number.

Sustainable Tourism Tips

• Respect the temple grounds — remove shoes, take off caps, keep noise levels low, and avoid photography where prohibited (photography is prohibited inside the Shrine Room).
• Do not face your back to the relic chamber or touch it when taking photos.
• Support local tuk-tuk drivers , local vendors selling flowers, and guides during your visit.
• Stay on marked trails if hiking to avoid disturbing local flora and fauna.
• Bring reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.
• Donate for the welfare of the place.

Final Thoughts

The Japanese Peace Pagoda in Unawatuna isn’t just a place to see — it’s an emotion. It is a combination of tranquil spirituality and stunning seascapes that offer visitors a chance to pause and reconnect, both with nature and with themselves.