Detail
| Cultural Resources Category | Histric Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty |
|---|---|
| Cultural Properties Category | Designation Histric Sites |
| Title | The Site of Shimotuke Kokubunnji Temple |
| Designation Date | 1921/03/03 |
| Cities / Towns | Shimotsuke |
| Description | Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple Site is one of the national temples built throughout the country in 741 (Tempyo 13) of the Nara period (710-794) under the decree of Emperor Shomu. It is located on a plateau between the south-flowing Sugatagawa River and the Omoigawa River, and about 600m to the west is Shimotsuke Kokubun-niji Temple is located approximately 600 meters to the west. The layout of the temple buildings is the same as that of Todai-ji Temple in Nara, which is the national temple of Japan (Todai-ji style), with the Nandaimon, Naka-mon Gate, Kondo Hall, and Kodo Hall in a straight line from south to north, and the Naka-mon and Kondo Hall are connected by a corridor. The pagoda is located on the eastern side of the corridor, and is estimated to have been a seven-story pagoda based on the scale of its platform. The bell tower and sutra repository are located on the east and west sides of Kondo and Kodo. Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple, along with Kokubun Niji Temple, was constructed from the mid-8th to the 10th century (Nara to Heian periods), during which time the roof tiles were replaced and the walls surrounding the temple were rebuilt. From 1982 to 1992, an excavation survey was conducted by the Tochigi Prefectural Board of Education to confirm the extent of the temple. As a result, it was found that the temple was approximately 413 m east to west and 457 m north to south, covering a vast area of approximately 16 towns (approximately 186,000 ㎡). The condition of the remains is extremely good, even by national standards. Currently, the majority of the temple site is covered with flat forest and grassland, and the city of Shimotsuke is continuing to maintain the historic site. |
| Copyright | 著作権あり |