Shinano Kokubunji Temple

Overview

Shinano Kokubunji Temple is one of the kokubunji (national temples) built throughout Japan during the Nara period by imperial order of Emperor Shomu. It is a successor temple to the original Kokubunji of Shinano Province. The current Shinano Kokubunji Temple was relocated to a lower plateau north of the original temple site. A main hall rebuilt in the late Edo period and a three-storied pagoda, said to date back to the early Kamakura period, stand serenely within the temple grounds. Its historical significance has earned Shinano Kokubunji Temple the moniker "Kamakura of Shinshu" and it is recognized as a Japanese Heritage site. The three-storied pagoda, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is the oldest surviving pagoda among existing kokubunji temples, and its majestic presence is truly breathtaking. The main hall, rebuilt in the late Edo period, is impressively grand and substantial, reflecting the scale of the construction project. A large lotus pond graces the temple grounds, offering beautiful seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall. Shinano Kokubunji Temple is a recommended destination for those seeking to connect with history and nature and find inner peace. Furthermore, the Shinano Kokubunji Museum exhibits approximately 2000 artifacts unearthed during excavation, providing insights into the temple's history.