Kai Kokubun-ji

Kai Kokubun-ji is a provincial Buddhist temple in Fuefuki that encompasses a large area with historical and modern religious buildings. The grounds are bounded by an earthen rampart and moat, containing both standing structures and archaeological remains from the Nara period.

Emperor Shōmu ordered construction of this provincial temple in 741 following a smallpox epidemic to establish Buddhism as Japan's national religion. The temple was part of a nationwide program to strengthen Buddhism as a central force in the realm.

The temple belongs to the Myōshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and serves the local community as a place for meditation practices and Buddhist teachings. Visitors today can experience the spiritual focus of the site through the quiet design of the grounds and the traditional architecture of the remaining structures.

The site allows visitors access to different areas, some with modern facilities and others displaying original ruins from antiquity. It is wise to allow enough time to explore both sections, as they offer different insights into various time periods.

The foundation stones reveal that the original pagoda had a substantial square base and soared approximately 48 meters high during the Nara period. This impressive height demonstrates the temple's importance as one of the major religious centers of that era.

Location: Fuefuki

Website: http://kaikokubunji.com

GPS coordinates: 35.63649,138.68127

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:47