Hizen Kokubunji

Hizen Kokubunji is a Buddhist temple site in Saga where the basic layout still shows on the ground. Visitors can see the remains of the south gate, a central gate, the main hall, and a lecture hall arranged in a north-south line.

This site was built during the Nara period as part of a national system of provincial temples throughout Japan. It functioned as a major Buddhist center in Hizen Province and played an important role in the region's religious life.

The site reflects how Buddhism was practiced in Hizen and the role temples played in spreading these teachings across the region. Archaeological finds and remaining structures show the spiritual importance this place held for people at that time.

The site has information boards that explain the temple layout and how the buildings were used. You can walk around and observe the foundations and remains at your own pace.

The southeastern section of this complex once held a seven-story pagoda, a rarity that showed how important this place was. This made it one of the major religious complexes in ancient Kyushu.