Hida Kokubunji Temple
Built in 747, Hida Kokubunji Temple is known as No.1 Ancient Temple in Hida, Takayama with 1,200 years of history. Many buildings in the Temple have been designated as National Historical Site or Important Cultural Treasure by Japanese government, such as the three-storey Pagoda and Bell Tower Gate. In addition, the famous 1,200-year-old Ginkgo tree is always popular among visitors and has been a spot to take photos. In the Temple, you can feel rich religious culture through several statues of Buddha. Most areas of the Temple opens free to the public all year round.What to See in Hida Kokubunji Temple
The Only Pagoda in Hida
The three-storey wooden tower
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The three-storey wooden tower is the most expressive building in the Temple. It is 22 meters tall (24 yards), and enjoys very high status because it is the only Pagoda in Hida. The whole body of the tower is black, while the first floor of the tower is mainly made from brown wood. Such a color combination gives the whole tower a sense of solemnity. It is said that the original tower had 7 floors, but due to some natural disasters like strong wind and fire, it was damaged and people reconstructed the current one. To avoid great financial loss again caused by accidental fire, the pagoda we now see has only three floors. The tower has been designated as an Important Cultural Treasure in Hida. Apart from the Pagoda, the Tower’s cornerstone which has 2, 000 years’ history, can’t be missed as well.
Bell Tower Gate
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Bell Tower Gate was built in the early 17th century and moved here from other areas in Takayama. The Gate has two floors which were constructed at different times. The huge difference between the first and the second floors can be seen through the shapes of the pillars. The pillars on the first floor are square-column, while the second floor uses the cylinder-column. On its wooden mezzanine, there are some stickers with some Japanese people’s names. People do that hoping to be blessed. In addition, at the top of the Gate, there is a huge bell, which is donated by other temples. The bell just saliently hangs there, witnessing the passing of time and the long history of the Temple.
The 1,200-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree
The 1,200-year-old gingko tree
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In front of Bell Tower Gate, the 28-meter-tall (31 yards) ginkgo tree is said to have been more than 1,250 years old. It is believed that the tree was planted by Guanyin, one goddess of Mercy in Buddhism. Legend has it that the tree would give the most blessing to mothers who are still in the lactation period. There is another romantic story that snow would come when the first ginkgo leaf began to fall. In addition, in 1999, three stone statues of Buddha were dug out under the tree. Until now, people still don’t know why there are 3 Buddha statues underneath. All of these romantic or mysterious stories add a mysterious atmosphere to the tree. Now the tree has been designated as the natural monument. October and November are the best time to appreciate the Ginkgo tree because the golden leaves match the traditional buildings very well.
Other Things to Do in Kobubunji Temple
1. Feel the Buddhist Culture
Medicine Buddha Yakushi Nyorai, Guanyin Buddha, and 6 Kṣitigarbha are enshrined in the Temple, among which the most popular is Yakushi Nyorai. People believe that the Buddha can heal any illness, whether physical illnesses or mental ones. In addition, this Buddha cares about all living creatures, not just human beings. The statue of the Buddha is seated at the entrance of the main building of the Temple, which has 500 years of history. You can also worship Guanyin Buddha at the entrance, who blesses those couples who want a baby. There is a tradition that each visitor can make only one wish each time.2. See Cultural Antiques in the Treasure Hall
The Treasure Hall in the Temple’s main building houses some antiques, some of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties, so they are worth seeing. However, remember that the Treasure Hall charges some 300 yen for every adult. In addition, the hall is only open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the last entry time is 3:30 p.m..
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The main building of Hida Kokubunji Temple
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3. See Sarubobo in Different Colors
In the Temple, there are various Sarubobo dolls of different colors, like green, blue, pink, and red.4. Stroll in the Monthly Market
On the 8th from May to October, there would be a grand market, and the owners of nearby shops would come to the Temple to take part in the market.How to Get to Hida Kokubunji Temple
Take F07 Bus/ F00 Bus /F05 Bus of Furukawa Kamioka Line or K1k Bus of Shokawa Line, get off at Kokubunji Bus Stop, and then you can walk to the Temple in 1 minute.Nearby Tourist Attractions
1. Takayama Showa Kan Museum
Takayama Showa Kan Museum displays Japanese life in the Showa Period (1926 - 1989). In the Museum, there are about 20 life scenes, including a hospital, a classroom, a post office, and a cinema. In addition, all the life scenes are decorated with various life items produced in the last century and visitors are allowed to touch these items.2. Miya River Morning Market
It is the most famous morning market in Hida. The market is located near the Miya River and has more than 300 years of history. From vegetables, and fruits, to traditional crafts and fashionable chopsticks, you can buy various products. Walking among different stalls, you can feel the local customs.