Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji

Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji is a Buddhist temple complex in central Japan with extensive ruins and reconstructed gate structures. Excavations have uncovered the foundations of multiple buildings, including a pagoda and main hall, now marked with informational displays.

Emperor Shōmu founded this complex in 741 as part of a network of provincial temples that extended his authority across the realm. The site served as a religious and administrative center for centuries before being abandoned.

The temple follows a planned layout that positions buildings symmetrically around central axes. Visitors can see today how the spatial arrangement of each structure relates to the whole.

The grounds are open to visitors and display building foundations along with a museum exhibition of artifacts. You should expect uneven terrain and outdoor conditions, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Below the surface lay the foundation of a pagoda that rose seven stories high and served as a visual landmark for the entire region. Such tall structures were rare in the founding era and significantly contributed to the site's importance.