Kokubunji Temple is where the statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, designated as a national important cultural property, and Hiten, designated as a prefectural important cultural property, are enshrined. Kokubun-ji Temple was built in 737 by Emperor Shomu, who ordered the construction of three statues of Shakyamuni and the copying of a portion of the Mahannya Sutra, and in 741 by an imperial decree to build temples for monks in each province.
The main statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is approximately 3 meters high, making it the tallest statue of Buddha on Awaji Island. It is the only statue in the country that remains from the original construction.
The main hall, where the seated statue of Shakyamuni Nyorai, a national important cultural property, is enshrined, was built in the Nara period (710-794), and boasts a history of more than 1,200 years. The statue, which is said to have been created at the beginning of the Nanbokucho Period, has a majestic appearance that recalls the prosperity of the time.
In the precincts of the temple, visitors can see the rare Japanese azalea (Keika) and azaleas that were introduced from Toshodaiji Temple in Nara, and around the end of April, the white color of the Keika and the pink color of the azaleas are decorated.
AWAJI KOKUBUNJI Basic Information
| Name | AWAJI KOKUBUNJI |
| Address | 331 Yagi Kokubu, Minami-Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Phone | 0799-42-4773 |
| Official WEB | https://www.yumebutai.co.jp/ |
| Opening hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Admission | [Entrance fee] 300 yen, special openings twice a year (May 8: Flower Festival, August 1: Lantern Offering Ceremony/light-up at night) |
| Parking | 5 regular cars, 2 buses |
| Parking fee | Free |
| Access | Public Transportation: 13 min. walk (1 km) from Tateishi Station on the Jukan Line [via Torii] bound for Fukura Car: From Sumoto IC, approx. 8.5 km toward Fukura, from Seitan-Mihara IC, approx. 5 km toward Sumoto |