NARA--The spectacular early eighth-century East Pagoda of Yakushiji temple here can now be partially viewed after a 10-year restoration project that involved disassembling the entire structure and replacing rotten pieces of wood.

The pagoda, a national treasure standing about 34 meters high, is acclaimed for its architectural beauty. It was last restored about 110 years ago.

Officials said most of the original parts are intact and the design is exactly as the pagoda looked 1,300 years ago.

Restoration work on the East Pagoda began in 2009. Since 2012, the structure had been covered by scaffolding and a temporary roof, so it could not be seen.

With the restoration almost completed, work to disassemble the scaffolding and temporary roof began in July.

First, the scaffolding and temporary roof around the north side was removed, exposing the main parts of the pagoda from late August.

Visitors are urged to visit the pagoda soon as the site will be covered by steel frame for more construction due to start from around Sept. 24.

The scaffolding and temporary roof will be torn down by the end the year.

A ceremony to mark completion of the repair work is scheduled for late April.