The Japanese Peace Pagoda on Rumassala Hill, above Unawatuna Bay, was built in 2005 by the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist order — one of more than eighty such peace pagodas they have built around the world. A spotless white dome with gilded Buddhas in niches on each side, it is best reached on foot from Jungle Beach or by a longer winding path up from Unawatuna.
The view from the terrace is the real attraction: Unawatuna Bay below, the Galle Fort in the distance, the Indian Ocean stretching out to the horizon. Sunset is the most popular time, but mornings are quieter.