Tanba Kokubun-ji

Tanba Kokubun-ji is a provincial temple in Kameoka containing ancient foundation stones, a main hall, and a pagoda arranged within a square compound measuring 218 meters on each side. The layout displays the typical structure of a provincial Buddhist monastery with clearly visible ancient ground plans.

The temple was founded in 741 by Emperor Shomu to spread Buddhist teachings throughout the provinces during a smallpox epidemic. This establishment was part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen Buddhism as a stabilizing force.

The main hall houses a wooden Yakushi Nyorai statue from the late Heian period, recognized as an Important Cultural Property and representing a significant example of Japanese sculptural art. Visitors today experience this space as an important site of worship and cultural continuity in the region.

The site sits on an alluvial fan east of the Oi River and remains open throughout the year with no entrance fee for visitors. You can explore the temple grounds at your own pace without worrying about opening hours or admission costs.

The grounds contain a native ginkgo tree called Chichi Icho that produces seeds directly on its leaves in an unusual manner. Seeing this rare tree offers visitors a glimpse of a botanical oddity that is seldom found elsewhere.