Bitchū Kokubun-ji

Bitchū Kokubun-ji is a Buddhist temple in Sōja featuring a wooden five-story pagoda standing about 34 meters (112 feet) tall. The first three levels use keyaki wood, and the structure displays intricate animal carvings beneath the roof edges throughout its design.

Emperor Shōmu ordered construction of this temple in 741 as part of a nationwide network of provincial temples built during the Nara period. These temples helped spread Buddhism throughout remote regions of the country at that time.

The pagoda houses Buddhist statues and decorated ceiling paintings that reflect traditional craftsmanship. Visitors can observe these details directly while walking through the temple halls.

The grounds are open daily and easily walkable from the entrance to all main areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as there are some slight elevation changes across the temple property.

This pagoda is the only five-story wooden structure of its kind in Okayama Prefecture. The upper and lower roof sections maintain equal proportions, a feature rarely seen in classical Japanese architecture.