Ōchiwatoge temple ruins

Ōchiwatoge temple ruins are the remains of a Buddhist temple site located at an elevation of about 340 meters on terraced hillsides above Lake Hamana. The site contains scattered building foundations and ancient garden ponds across its grounds.

The temple was built between the 8th and 11th centuries and served as a religious center in the region. Archaeological excavations conducted between 1989 and 1996 uncovered twelve building foundations, including five temple structures.

Pottery pieces with ink inscriptions found at this location reveal it served as a Tendai or Shingon Buddhist temple. These objects show how monastic communities practiced their faith in this mountainous region.

The site is accessible via a hiking trail from Chibata Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Line, requiring about two hours of walking. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and allow plenty of time for the climb.

A small Jizo-do chapel was built over the earlier temple ruins in the later 12th century, creating layered history at a single location. This overlay reveals how later generations honored and reshaped sacred sites.

Location: Kosai

GPS coordinates: 34.78240,137.48291

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24