Mino Kokubun-ji, Provincial temple in Ogaki, Japan
Mino Kokubun-ji is a provincial temple in Ogaki located in the Aono district, distinguished by a three meter tall Yakushi Nyorai statue carved from keyaki wood. The grounds also feature several ancient stone foundations remaining from the original site layout.
Emperor Shomu ordered the construction of this temple in 741 as part of a nationwide network of provincial temples during the Nara period. It served as one of about 60 temples planned to establish the imperial faith throughout the realm.
The grounds contain several pagodas representing stations of the Shikoku pilgrimage route, allowing visitors to experience a condensed version of this spiritual journey. This layout lets pilgrims visit sacred sites on a smaller scale without traveling across the entire region.
The main Yakushi Nyorai statue is accessible to the public on specific dates, including the first three days of January and the eighth day of each month. It is wise to confirm whether your intended visit date allows public access beforehand.
Archaeological excavations near this temple uncovered ancient kiln sites where roof tiles were once produced. These discoveries were key to its recognition as a National Historic Site and offer insight into early craft techniques.
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