Iki Kokubun-ji

Iki Kokubun-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple on Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, where stone foundations and ceramic tiles remain from its original structures. The archaeological site also preserves six statues of bodhisattvas, which reflect the artistic traditions of the temple's past.

The temple was founded in 741 during the Nara period by imperial order of Emperor Shomu to spread Buddhism across the realm. For the local Iki clan, it also served as a family sanctuary with deep personal meaning.

The temple remains a place where local Buddhism shaped daily life and spiritual practices on Iki Island. Today, the site helps people understand how faith was central to the community.

The temple is located in the Ashibe-cho Kokubu district of Iki City in Nagasaki Prefecture and can be reached by local bus service. Wear sturdy shoes when visiting since the archaeological grounds are uneven and spread across a wide area.

A large stone called Hesodake still stands in the northwestern part of the site and marks where the original temple once stood. This modest marker has been crucial for archaeologists in understanding the layout and history of the complex.

Location: Iki

GPS coordinates: 33.79684,129.72236

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:02