Kitano temple ruins, Buddhist temple ruins in Okazaki, Japan
Kitano temple ruins is an archaeological site in Okazaki containing foundation remains of multiple temple structures, including a pagoda, lecture hall, gates, and monks' residences. The remains spread across approximately 126 meters, offering insights into early Japanese temple architecture.
The temple ruins date to the 7th century Asuka period, representing the oldest temple remains discovered in Aichi Prefecture. They provide evidence of Buddhism's early spread in the region during Japan's formative cultural period.
The ruins display architectural features shaped by Goguryeo culture, demonstrating connections between Japanese and Korean building techniques of that era. Visitors can observe these influences directly in the recovered artifacts displayed at the site.
The site is easily reached on foot from Kitano bus stop, which has regular services from Higashi Okazaki Station nearby. It is best to follow marked pathways and explore at a slow pace, as the archaeological foundations are fragile and require careful observation.
Excavations uncovered a bronze casket with decorative patterns matching those of an artifact preserved in Nara's Shōsōin treasury. This discovery suggests strong connections to continental Asian trade networks and cultural exchange during that period.
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