Bizen Kokubun-niji

What it is

• An ancient temple site in Akaiwa designated as a National Historic Site of Japan.
• Founded during the Nara period by order of Emperor Shomu.
• The grounds follow the Todai-ji style temple layout near the ancient Sanyo Road.
• The temple functions were completely lost by the early 17th century.

What to see

• A seven-story stone pagoda standing at the former pagoda site.
• The Kokubun-niji nunnery site located 300 meters south of the main temple.
• Kokubunji Hachiman Shrine situated on the western edge of the site.
• A stone pagoda designated as a tangible cultural property of Akaiwa.

Getting there

• The site is a 10-minute walk from the Hozaki-shimo bus stop.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.