Bizen kokubun-ji ato

Bizen Kokubun-ji is an archaeological site of a former Buddhist temple in Akaiwa. The ruins reveal foundations of several structures including a South Gate, Middle Gate, Kondō, and Lecture Hall arranged within a rectangular compound.

Emperor Shōmu ordered construction of Bizen Kokubun-ji in 741 as part of a provincial temple network built following a devastating smallpox epidemic. The site reflects a period when the state used religious institutions to stabilize society.

The name Kokubun-ji reflects its role as part of a national temple network established by imperial decree. Today, visitors can understand how this location served as a spiritual center for the surrounding region.

The ruins sit between the Yoshii and Asahi rivers in the Umaya district and can be accessed via multiple routes within Akaiwa. The open and level terrain allows visitors to explore the full extent of the archaeological site.

Excavations in 1974 and 2003 uncovered numerous artifacts including roof tiles and Nara Sancai pottery that document the temple's architectural development. These findings reveal the high level of craftsmanship and construction techniques employed during its active period.