筑前国分寺七重塔ミニチュア
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Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins

4.3
·67 reviews·Dazaifu, Japan

Explore the ancient foundation stones of a Nara-period provincial temple and its serene successor, home to a revered Heian-era statue.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime visits

Explore historical remains

CrowdLow
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筑前国分寺七重塔ミニチュア

Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins

Best Time

Daytime visits

Explore historical remains

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the ancient foundation stones of a Nara-period provincial temple and its serene successor, home to a revered Heian-era statue.

4.3
(67 reviews)

"Admire the moving statue of Yakushi Nyorai and receive unique temple seals at this historical gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

🙏 Receive a Goshuin Stamp

Don't miss the chance to get unique goshuin stamps for 36 Fudo and 49th temple Yakushi.

🚶 Explore the Ruins

Take time to walk around the foundation stones of the original temple complex.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Foundation Stones of Kondo

Foundation Stones of Kondo

Adjacent to the current temple

See the original foundation stones of the main hall (Kondo) of the ancient Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Temple.

Yakushi Nyorai Statue

Yakushi Nyorai Statue

Main Hall of the successor temple

Admire the moving, seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, dating back to the late Heian period.

Temple Seals (Goshuin)

Temple Seals (Goshuin)

Temple office

Collect unique goshuin stamps for 36 Fudo and the 49th temple Yakushi, a special memento.

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Planning Your Visit

Understanding the Site

Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins are the remnants of a significant historical temple from the Nara period. While the original temple is gone, its foundation stones and a successor temple with a revered statue remain. Plan for a contemplative visit focused on history and spirituality.

Visiting the Successor Temple

The current temple enshrines a late Heian period statue of Yakushi Nyorai. Visitors can receive unique temple seals (goshuin) for both 36 Fudo and the 49th temple Yakushi, offering a tangible connection to the site's spiritual heritage.

Best Times

When
Daytime visits
Why
Explore historical remains
Crowd
Low
When
When temple office is open
Why
To receive goshuin stamps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🙏 Receive a Goshuin Stamp

Don't miss the chance to get unique goshuin stamps for 36 Fudo and 49th temple Yakushi. Reddit

🚶 Explore the Ruins

Take time to walk around the foundation stones of the original temple complex. Reddit

🧘 Contemplate the History

The site offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection on its ancient past. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

🙏 Receive a Goshuin Stamp

Don't miss the chance to get unique goshuin stamps for 36 Fudo and 49th temple Yakushi. Reddit

🚶 Explore the Ruins

Take time to walk around the foundation stones of the original temple complex. Reddit

🧘 Contemplate the History

The site offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection on its ancient past. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(67 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins to be a historically significant and spiritually moving site. The opportunity to see the foundation stones of the ancient temple and admire the revered Yakushi Nyorai statue are highlights. Many appreciate the chance to receive unique temple seals (goshuin) and the peaceful atmosphere of the successor temple.

"I visited the shrine on behalf of my mother who is hospitalized.
The head priest and two other staff members were very kind to me, and I was able to make my request at the foot of Yakushi Nyorai.
Finally, I received a temple seal and headed off to be with my mother.
Thank you for today."

ひろ

"This is Kokubunji Temple in Chikuzen, which has now become an ordinary temple."

Rocchi E

"This is Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Temple, located on the site of Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Temple (not Kokubun-ji Temple). Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Temple disappeared in the late 11th century. The grounds contain the foundation stones of the Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Temple Kondo. The seated Denyakushi Nyorai statue from the late Heian period is enshrined as the principal image."

順ちゃん

What People Like

Historical foundation stones
Yakushi Nyorai statue
Unique goshuin stamps

What People Dislike

Limited visitor amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on public transport or driving directions to Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins would be helpful here. As specific transport details are not provided in the reviews, it's recommended to check local transit maps or use a navigation app.

Parking availability is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews. It's advisable to inquire locally or check for nearby public parking facilities.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The reviews suggest that the successor temple is an active place of worship, and visiting the ruins themselves is likely free. However, receiving temple seals (goshuin) may incur a fee. Reddit

Specific opening hours for the ruins are not detailed. The successor temple is likely open during daylight hours, but it's best to confirm the temple office hours if you wish to receive a goshuin stamp. Reddit

Yes, visitors can receive goshuin stamps for both 36 Fudo and the 49th temple Yakushi. Ensure you visit when the temple office is open. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the foundation stones of the original temple's main hall (Kondo) and visit the successor temple which enshrines a late Heian period statue of Yakushi Nyorai. Reddit

Absolutely. It's a significant historical site, being the successor to one of the provincial temples built by imperial decree during the Nara period. Reddit

The seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, dating from the late Heian period, is the principal image enshrined in the current temple and is considered a moving piece of art. Reddit

Photography rules are not specified, but it's generally respectful to be mindful of ongoing religious services and avoid intrusive photography, especially inside the main hall.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The reviews do not mention any dining options directly at the ruins. It's advisable to explore nearby towns or cities for food establishments.

📸 📸 Photography

The foundation stones of the Kondo offer a unique historical perspective. The architecture of the successor temple and its surroundings can also be photogenic. Remember to be respectful of the sacred space.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins offers a unique opportunity for families to explore history in a tangible way. While it's not a typical playground, the foundation stones of the ancient temple can spark imagination about what life was like centuries ago. Encourage children to look for shapes in the stones or imagine the scale of the original buildings. Reddit

The successor temple provides a peaceful contrast, and the Yakushi Nyorai statue can be a point of quiet contemplation. If your children are interested in Japanese culture or history, this site offers a less crowded and more intimate experience than larger, more famous temples. Remember to manage expectations, as it's primarily a historical site with religious significance.

🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims

For those on a spiritual journey, Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins offers a profound connection to Japan's Buddhist heritage. The late Heian period statue of Yakushi Nyorai is a focal point for devotion, and the opportunity to receive special goshuin stamps for 36 Fudo and the 49th temple Yakushi is a significant draw. Reddit

The site's history as a provincial temple adds a layer of historical reverence. Visitors can reflect on the centuries of prayer and practice that have taken place on this ground. The relatively low crowd levels ensure a peaceful environment for prayer, meditation, and personal reflection.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of Chikuzen Kokubun-ji

Chikuzen Kokubun-ji was one of the provincial temples established across Japan during the Nara period (710-794 AD) by imperial decree of Emperor Shomu. These temples were part of a nationwide network intended to promote Buddhism and strengthen imperial authority. The original Chikuzen Kokubun-ji was a substantial complex, believed to have featured a main hall (Kondo), a lecture hall, and a seven-story pagoda, arranged in a typical monastic layout. The temple's existence was relatively short-lived, with the pagoda reportedly abandoned in the 10th century and the lecture hall in the 11th century, leading to its eventual disappearance. Reddit

The site today preserves the foundation stones of the Kondo, offering a tangible link to this ancient past. Visitors can stand on the very ground where the main hall once stood, imagining the grandeur of the original structure. The adjacent successor temple, while not the original, carries on the spiritual legacy of the site, making it a place of both historical and religious importance. Reddit

Understanding this historical context enriches the visitor experience, transforming a simple visit to ruins into a journey back in time. It highlights the enduring influence of Buddhism in Japanese history and the efforts made to establish a unified national religious infrastructure during the Nara period.

The Spiritual Heart: The Successor Temple and Yakushi Nyorai

The current temple at the Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Ruins is a Koyasan Shingon sect temple that serves as the spiritual successor to the ancient site. Its principal image is a seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, a Buddha associated with healing and medicine. This statue is a significant cultural artifact, dating back to the late Heian period (794-1185 AD), and is described by visitors as 'moving.' Reddit

For many visitors, receiving a temple seal (goshuin) is a highlight. Chikuzen Kokubun-ji offers unique goshuin for both '36 Fudo' and the '49th temple Yakushi,' providing a special memento of the visit. This practice connects contemporary visitors to a long-standing tradition of pilgrimage and devotion. Reddit

The combination of historical ruins and an active place of worship with a revered statue creates a unique atmosphere. It allows visitors to connect with both the past and the present spiritual life of the region, offering a contemplative and meaningful experience.

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