IbarakiLeisure

Hitachi Kokubunji Temple / Hitachi Kokubunji Temple Ruins (常陸国分寺・常陸国分寺跡)

Flow of the course

About 35 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Explore a historical park dotted with burial mounds and reconstructed pit dwellings

About this spot

This is the site of Hitachi Kokubunji Temple, built by imperial decree of Emperor Shomu in the Nara period, and it is designated a national historic site. Across the temple's vast former precincts, the foundation stones of the main hall and lecture hall remain, telling of the deep history of Ishioka, which was once the center of Hitachi Province. Early in the morning there are few visitors, so you can take your time viewing the ruins in a quiet atmosphere. It's a fitting spot for a calm start to the day before the festival gets underway.

Tips

It's within walking distance of Ishioka Station. Since the ruins are outdoors, comfortable walking shoes and some insect protection will put your mind at ease even in the early morning.