Yamashiro Kokubun-niji

What it is

• A Special National Historic Site established following Emperor Shomu's decree in 741.
• The temple grounds overlap with the location of the former Kuni Palace.
• The palace Great Audience Hall was converted into the temple's Main Hall.
• Archaeological excavations have been conducted on the site since the 1973 fiscal year.

What to see

• The massive tile-clad foundation of the Main Hall measuring 53.1 by 28.2 meters.
• Remains of the base where a seven-story pagoda once stood.
• Excavated artifacts displayed at the nearby Kuninomiya Learning Center.

Getting there

• The historic site is a 30-minute walk from JR Kamo Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.