Etchū Kokubun-ji

Etchū Kokubun-ji is a Buddhist temple in Takaoka with significant remains from the Nara period, including an approximately 20-meter earthen platform that likely formed the foundation of an important temple hall. The grounds preserve statues from the Kamakura period, including Yakushi Buddha figures and representations of Monju and Bishamonten.

Emperor Shomu founded this temple in 741 as part of a nationwide network of provincial temples established across Japan. These temples played a central role in spreading Buddhism throughout the provinces during the early Nara period.

The temple served as a major center for Buddhist worship and ritual practice in the region for centuries. Visitors today can sense this religious importance through the surviving sculptures and the layout of the grounds.

The temple is roughly 20 minutes on foot from JR Fushiki Station or about 15 minutes by car from Takaoka-Kita Interchange. The grounds are easily explored on foot and provide direct access to the archaeological remains and sculptures.

Archaeological excavations in the 1930s uncovered numerous ancient roof tiles from the late Nara period, revealing details about the original building's appearance. These findings offer a rare glimpse into the construction techniques and methods used in this early temple era.