Ōsumi Kokubun-ji

The foundation stones and archaeological remains of Ōsumi kokubun-ji spread across an area measuring 300 meters by 200 meters near the Miyake River.

Established between 741 and 820 AD under Emperor Shōmu's directive, the temple served as a provincial Buddhist center until its destruction by fire in the 9th century.

The temple layout followed standardized architectural principles of the Nara period, reflecting the integration of Buddhist practices within Japanese governmental structures.

The archaeological site, designated as a National Historic Site in 2012, is accessible via a short walk from Kokubu Station on the JR Kyushu Nippō Main Line.

Excavations conducted between 1961 and 2013 revealed numerous Nara period roof tiles, though large portions remain unexplored due to private land ownership.

Location: Kokubu-Chūō

Part of: provincial temple

Address: 鹿児島県霧島市国分中央一丁目23−1794

GPS coordinates: 31.74117,130.77136

Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:04