Pagodas are some of the most striking and memorable architecture in all of Asia. These complex and dynamic multi-layered towers are often used as Buddhist  temples and have been used for decades to show the unique beauty of the Eastern world.

Though there are many beautiful mountains and hillsides throughout Asia that you would expect to see one of these unique towering architectural structures located, a less likely location you will find a pagoda is Reading,  Pennsylvania. Only, a little over an hour outside of Philadelphia, this stunning structure towers over a once booming town that has, like many areas of Pennsylvania, fallen due to the downturn in industrial jobs. As you drive up the winding hill towards the Pagoda you are met with trees bearing painted Asian style eyes Watching you as you approach and later exit the property. 

As you enter the parking area located directly in front of the Pagoda the site is truly breathtaking. Although you know that this is not some exotic location in Japan, the structure towers over the scenic mountain sides giving you the feeling of being in a distant land. Unlike many other locations to try to keep visitors at a distance, the Pagoda welcomes visitors to walk around the structure, feel the sides and beams, and get a true sense of what the Pagoda is.

Like many other structures in Pennsylvania the Reading Pagoda has a unique past and rich history. Originally built in 1908 this seven tiered wooden structure was to be home to a luxury hotel. When plans for the hotel fell apart the building and land was donated to the city of Reading only three years later. Housed in this unique structure hangs a traditional tocsin bell from the mid-1700s which was formerly installed in a Buddhist temple in Japan. Outside of this stunning structure are multiple Japanese Cherry Blossoms which were planned there in the mid 1970s.

The Reading Pagoda is still owned by the City of Reading but is currently managed by the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda. Besides being one of the most infamous Roadside attractions in Pennsylvania, offering an up close experience with an actual Pagoda stateside, it also is home to a small café and a gift shop.