Oki Kokubun-ji, Buddhist temple in Okinoshima, Japan
Oki Kokubun-ji is a Buddhist temple on the island of Okinoshima featuring preserved foundation stones from its main gate and central hall. The remaining structural elements reveal the original layout of this ancient religious complex.
The temple was founded in 741 when Emperor Shōmu launched an initiative to establish Buddhist monasteries throughout all Japanese provinces. This program significantly shaped the religious landscape of the Nara period.
The temple grounds contain a statue of Shakyamuni Tathāgata and serve as a center for Buddhist practices and religious ceremonies in the region.
Access to the site is seasonal and best during warmer months. Visitors should note that the location consists of ruins requiring sturdy footwear and protective clothing for comfortable exploration.
The site is one of the northernmost provincial temples from the Nara period and demonstrates how Buddhism spread to remote regions. Its location at the edge of Buddhist expansion makes it historically significant.
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