Guide
The Saio Haiji Ruins, located in Kotesuki, Tottori Prefecture, is the only site in the San'in region designated as a National Special Historic Site. This ancient temple site dates back to the Hakuho period (late 7th to early 8th century) and covers a massive area of approximately 40,000 m² (roughly 10 acres), measuring 160m east-to-west and 250m north-to-south. It is a rare and precious location where visitors can directly observe the remains of a temple layout following the 'Horyu-ji style' architecture. The site's historical value is further underscored by the high quality of the artifacts excavated here.
Historically, this area was part of Hoki Province. Until the early Showa era, the site was known as 'Bikuni-zuka' and was once thought to be a type of kofun (burial mound). However, an investigation by Kyoto University in 1931 revealed that the site actually contained the foundations of a pagoda and a main hall (Kondo) of an ancient temple. Subsequent excavations by the Tokyo Imperial Museum (now the Tokyo National Museum) discovered stone foundations for a lecture hall to the north of the main hall. Recent studies have also uncovered ancient pottery with inscriptions mentioning 'Hachi-ji' (Eight Temples), suggesting this was a highly significant temple center for the region.
The most striking feature of the ruins is the ability to visually grasp ancient architectural structures. The main temple grounds still hold the stone bases of the pagoda, the main hall (Kondo), and the foundations of the lecture hall, allowing visitors to understand the original layout. Additionally, the site is famous for its excavated artifacts, including Buddha heads and ceramic Buddha figures (Sanzon Sekibutsu), which provide a glimpse into the decorative arts of the era. These precious items are currently preserved by the Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, Tottori Prefectural Museum, and the Kotesuki Board of Education.
As an outdoor archaeological site, there are no specific seasonal restrictions, though your experience will depend on the weather. While much of the site is relatively flat, we recommend visiting during the bright daylight hours to clearly observe the shapes of the stone pillars and foundations. The surrounding natural landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, offering a serene atmosphere to reflect on ancient history.
Visitors can enjoy a contemplative walk through the ancient architectural remains. By comparing the actual stone foundations and bases with the reconstruction diagrams provided on-site signage, you can visually experience how the temple was once constructed. You can also learn about the advanced technology and culture of the era through information regarding the excavated roof tiles and pottery.
The area around Saio Haiji is characterized by the gentle, peaceful landscapes of Kotesuki. It can be easily integrated into a larger historical tour of the San'in region, alongside other local cultural assets and natural scenery.