Hida Kokubun-ji

Hida Kokubun-ji (飛騨国分寺) is a Shingon-sect Buddhist temple in the Sowamachi neighborhood of the city of Takayama, Gifu, Japan. It is one of the few surviving provincial temples established by Emperor Shōmu during the Nara period (710 – 794). Due to this connection, the foundation stones of the Nara period pagoda located on temple grounds were designated as a National Historic Site in 1929.

History
The Shoku Nihongi records that in 741, as the country recovered from a major smallpox epidemic, Emperor Shōmu ordered that a monastery and nunnery be established in every province, the kokubunji (国分寺).

The Hida Kokubun-ji is located in downtown Takayama, a short distance from Takayama Station. The exact date of construction is believed to be around 757, over 15 years from the foundation of the provincial temple system in 741. The temple claims that it was founded by the famed wandering prelate Gyōki without any historical evidence. However, records indicate that the original temple burned down in 819 and was rebuilt in 855. The existing Hondō dates from the Muromachi period. It is a National Important Cultural Property

The 7-story pagoda also dates from the same period, burned down during the Ōei period, and was reconstructed again in 1585. It was burned down again in the battles between Kanemori Nagachika and Anegakoji Yoritsuna and a 3-story pagoda was built in its place in 1615. This structure also burned down in 1791 and was rebuilt in 1820.

In 1695, when Takayama Castle was destroyed, the Hida Kokubun-ji inherited some of its structures, including the main gate.

Listed cultural properties

 * National Important Cultural Property (ICP)s
 * Hondō, built in mid-Muromachi period
 * Seated statue of Yakushi Nyōrai, Heian period
 * Standing statue of Kannon Bosatsu, Heian period
 * Tachi sword, donated by the Ena clan
 * Gifu Prefecture ICPs
 * Seated statue of Amida Nyorai, Kamakura period
 * Standing statue of Fudō Myō-ō, Kamakura period
 * 3-story Pagoda, Edo period
 * Takayama City ICP
 * Bell tower gate
 * Plaque on rear gate
 * National Natural monument
 * Ginkgo biloba tree, estimated age of 1250 years