Ōchiwatoge temple ruins

The remains of foundations and garden ponds are spread across terraced hillsides at an elevation of 340 meters overlooking Lake Hamana.

Archaeological excavations conducted from 1989 to 1996 uncovered twelve building foundations, including five temple structures dating from the 8th through 11th centuries.

The discovery of 445 ink-inscribed pottery pieces and ceremonial items indicates this location functioned as either a Tendai or Shingon Buddhist temple.

The archaeological site is accessible through a hiking trail, requiring a one hour and forty-five minute walk from Tenryu Hamanako Line Chibata Station.

A small Jizo-do chapel was constructed over the earlier temple ruins during the latter half of the 12th century, adding another layer to its history.

Location: Kosai

GPS coordinates: 34.78240,137.48291

Latest update: April 2, 2025 23:06