Bicchu Kokubunji

Bicchu Kokubunji

Located near the central part of the Kibiji Fudoki no Oka, Bicchu Kokubunji is one of the Kokubunji temples. It was built in the 8th Century by Emperor Shomu. Since the temple was burnt down during the period of the northern and southern dynasties (14th Century), it was reconstructed during the Edo era (1603-1867) which is the current building we see today. The five-story pagoda standing tall on the temple grounds is a type of construction that representing Kibiji. This 34.32-meter pagoda was completed sometime around 1844. Its upper and lower portions are both slender and almost the same in size with short metal parts, revealing an architectural style unique to the late Edo era. It has been designated as the country's important cultural asset.