Around 741 A.D., about 60 Kokubunji Buddhist temples were built nationwide to pray for an end to the smallpox pandemic and natural disasters in accordance with an imperial decree by Emperor Shomu. Kazusa-Kokubunji Temple was one of those built at that time.
There used to be a seven-story pagoda here, which was built in the 8th century. It is estimated to have been as high as 63m. Now you can see its foundation stones on the ground.
The atmosphere was serene and peaceful. The big trees around the stones seemed as if they were watching the ancient ruins.
My second visit was on a day after it snowed. The site looked a little different blanketed with snow.
In the background is Yakushido Hall built in 1716. The roof looks new because it was recently rethatched.
The Hokyoin-to stone pagoda was built in 1372. It was relocated here from an ancient burial mound.
The Kazusa-Kokubunji Nio Gate was impressive. It was built in the mid-Edo period.
One of the two statues (except its head) was even older―dating back to the 14th century. The rest of the statue and the other statue were created in the Edo period.
