Thai Architecture in Tokyo, Sala Thai

Inside the Ueno Zoological Garden there are two interesting architectural structures: the old Japanese pagoda that belonged to the Kan’ei-ji Temple and a recently built pavilion, Sala Thai.
The sala is an example of typical Thai architecture, many similar pavilions can be found in Thailand, often at Buddhist temples or monasteries. Usually, they are used as meeting or relaxation places, but they also have a religious meaning, since the people that build a sala at a temple are earning religious merits.

Sala Thai from Ueno is a gift from the Royal Thai Government, marking 120 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan.